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WAR DEPARTMENT. 



Classification 



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HANDBOOK 



— FOR — 



Noncommissioned Officers 
of Infantry. 



By CAPTAIN M/B. STEWART, 
8th IL S* Infantr/* 

Department of Tactics, U» S* Military Academy, 



THIRD EDITION, REVISED. 



FRANKLIN HUDSON PUBLISHING CO., 

1014-1016 Wyandotte St., 

KANSAS CITY, MO. 



"" P: ' - 



11 \^ 



Copyrighted, 19G3, by 

hudson-klmberly publishing co., 

Kansas City, Mo. 



Copyrighted, 1905, by 

Franklin Hudson Publishing Co., 

Kansas City, Mo. 

Transfer 

Amity War C<*IB&£e 

June 20 2.93*3 



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TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



^ h 

CHAPTER I. 

Paragraphs 
The Noncommissioned Officer , .'. . 1-22 

CHAPTER II. 

The Noncommissioned Officer as Instructor 23-37 

CHAPTER III. 
The Noncommissioned Officer as Guide 38^78 

CHAPTER IV. 
The Noncommissioned Officer in Extended Order 79-113 

CHAPTER V. 
Advance and Rear Guard Duty 117-141 

CHAPTER VI. 
The Noncommissioned Officer in Command of Patrols 142-173 

CHAPTER VII. 
Escorts 174-214 

CHAPTER VIII. 
Outpost Duty 215-243 

CHAPTER IX. 
The First Sergeant 244-274 

CHAPTER X. 

The Company Quartermaster Sergeant 275-289 

CHAPTER XI. 
The Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of Quarters 290-305 

CHAPTER XII. 
The Sergeant of the Guard 306-381 

CHAPTER XIII. 
The Corporal of the Guard 382-425 



Introductory. 

The Handbook for the Noncommissioned Officer of Infantry 
is a compilation drawn in great part from the Army Regula- 
tions, Infantry Drill Regulations, Manual of Guard Duty, U. 
S. Army, the Service of Security and Information, and Organ- 
ization and Tactics, by Colonel Arthur L. Wagner, Assistant 
Adjutant-General, U. S. Army. 

Those chapters not drawn from either of these sources are 
merely outlines of the various duties which noncommissioned 
officers are called upon to perform, and which, in the absence 
of manuals, have been more or less traditional. 

The Handbook is not designed to replace any of the above 
manuals, but to assist the noncommissioned officer in the 
study of all by placing before him in brief and compact 
order a comprehensive idea of the scope of his duties and 
responsibilities. 

The various chapters cover all of the duties w T hich the non- 
commissioned officer of the line of infantry will ordinarily be 
called upon to perform, and the points touched upon are those 
most important and essential to the proper performance of 
those duties. 

It is designed for use in the schools of the noncommissioned 
officer and for the study especially of newly appointed and in- 
experienced noncommissioned officers. 

The author is indebted to Colonel Arthur L. Wagner, assist- 
ant Adjutant-General, U. S. Army, for permission to use his 
works and plates on the subjects of "The Service of Security 
and Information" and "Organization and Tactics," both of 
which books have been extensively drawn upon; also to Cap- 
tain Chase W. Kennedy, Adjutant 8th Infantry, for many val- 
uable suggestions and much valuable criticism. 



CHAPTER I. 
The Noncommissioned Officer. 

1. The noncommissioned officer is selected from the en- 
listed men of the company for his character, intelligence, effi- 
ciency, and soldierly bearing to assist the commissioned offi- 
cer in the instruction, discipline, and care of the other enlisted 
men. 

2. He holds his rank and exercises authority within cer- 
tain limits by virtue of a warrant. 

3. Noncommissioned officers will be carefully selected and 
instructed, and always supported by the company commanders 
in the proper performance of their duties. They will not be 
detailed for any duty or permitted to engage in any occupa- 
tion inconsistent with their rank and position. Officers will 
be cautious in reproving them in the presence or hearing of 
private soldiers. A. R. 261. 

4. Company noncommissioned officers are appointed by the 
regimental commander, or by the battalion commander under 
certain conditions, on the recommendation of their company 
commanders; but in no case will any company organization 
have an excess of noncommissioned officers above that allowed 
by law. A. R. 262. 

5. The number of noncommissioned officers allowed by law 
for any company varies with the authorized strength of the 
company, and is announced from time to time in general or- 
ders. In general, however, the noncommissioned officers of a 
company of infantry consist of one first sergeant, one quarter- 
master sergeant, from four to six sergeants, and from six to 
ten corporals. 



8 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 

6. To test the capacity of privates for the duties of non- 
commissioned officers, company commanders may appoint 
lance-corporals, who will be obeyed and respected as corporals, 
but no company shall have more than one lance-corporal at a 
time, unless there are noncommissioned officers absent by 
authority, during which absences there may be one for each 
absentee. 

7. Each noncommissioned officer will be furnished with a 
warrant or certificate of his rank, signed by the officer mak- 
ing the appointment, and countersigned by the adjutant; but 
a separate warrant as first sergeant, quartermaster sergeant, 
or stable sergeant will not be given. A warrant issued to a 
noncommissioned officer lis his personal property. Warrants 
need not be renewed in cases of re-enlistment in the same com- 
pany, if re-enlistment is made the day following the day of 
discharge, but, upon request, may remain in force until vacated 
by promotion or reduction, each re-enlistment and continuance 
to be noted on the warrant by the comipany commander. 
A. R. 265. 

9. The captain will select the first sergeant from the ser- 
geants of his company, and may return him to the grade of 
sergeant without reference to higher authority. A. R. 264. 

10. Appointments of company noncommissioned officers will 
take effect on the day of appointment by the authorized com- 
mander, and of first sergeants, quartermaster sergeants, stable 
sergeants, ... on the day of appointment by the com- 
pany commander; but in case of vacancy in a company in the 
field and absent from regimental headquarters, a company 
coimmander may make a temporary appointment of a noncom- 
missioned officer, which, if approved by the regimental com- 
mander, will carry rank and pay from date of such appoint- 
ment. A. R. 266. 



Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 9 

11. A noncommissioned officer may be reduced to the ranks 
by sentence of a court-martial, or on the recommendation of 
the company commander, by the order of the commander hav- 
ing authority to appoint such noncommissioned officer, but a 
noncommissioned officer will not be reduced because of absence 
on account of sickness, or injury contracted in line of duty. 
If reduced to the ranks by sentence of a court-martial at a 
post not the headquarters of his regiment, the company com- 
mander will forward a transcript of the order to the regiment- 
al commander. The desertion of a non-commissioned officer 
vacates his position on the date of desertion. A. R. 267-68. 

12. The detail of a noncommissioned officer on extra duty, 
other than that of overseer, will not be made, except in cases 
of emergency, without prior approval of the department com- 
mander. A noncommissioned officer will not be detailed on 
any duty inconsistent with his rank and position in the mili- 
tary service. A. R. 169. 

13. The noncommissioned officer should, by his military 
bearing, dignified conduct, and strict compliance with all orders 
and regulations, set an example to the other enlisted men. He 
should, by study of the service books and manuals, thoroughly 
acquaint himself with the extent and character of his duties 
and responsibilities, in order that he may instruct those under 
him in an efficient and intelligent manner. He should, in addi- 
tion, acquire a thorough knowledge of the details of all duties 
lequired of those under his command or instruction. After 
becoming proficient in his own duties, he should acquire some 
knowledge of the duties of the next higher grade, as he may 
be called on to perform them in the absence of his seniors. 

14. In the exercise of command, he should be firm, digni- 
fied, and patient, without harshness or unnecessary display of 
authority. By a careful and quiet use of his authority and 



10 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 

influence, he should endeavor to prevent the occurrence of any- 
thing which would tend to promote discontent or lack of har- 
monious feelings in the company. 

15. It lis the duty of the noncommissioned officer at all 
times and under all circumstances, whether on or off duty, in 
or out of the post, to check promptly all disputes, quarrels, or 
disorderly conduct among enlisted men which would lead to 
an infraction of orders or regulations, or would tend to bring 
disrepute upon the service. 

16. Noncommissioned officers against whom charges may 
be preferred for trial will be placed in arrest in their barracks 
or quarters. They will not be confined in the guard-house in 
company with privates, except in aggravated cases or where 
escape is feared. 

17. Noncommissioned officers in arrest will not be required 
to perform any duty in which they may be called upon to exer- 
cise any command. Noncommissioned officers in confinement 
will not be sent out to work with prisoners under sentence. 

18. Noncommissioned officers will not, if they object there- 
to, be brought to trial before a regimental, garrison, or sum- 
mary court-martial, without the authority of the officer com- 
petent to order their trial by general court-martial 

A. R. 966. 

19. A noncommissioned officer in command of a company, 
after aligning it at the formation of the battalion, takes post 
on the right of the right guide; he takes the post of the cap- 
tain when the battalion is in column. At parade, before 
bringing the company to parade rest, he comes to the trail, 
steps two paces to the front and faces to the left, retaining 
the piece at the traii; ha\ing given his commands, he re- 
sumes his post and comes to parade rest. 

20. In exercises in the manual, noncommissioned officers 
commanding companies or subdivisions execute only the or- 



Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. II 

der and parade rest; in rendering honors, they present; while 
marching, they carry their pieces in the same position as 
the men. 

21. When a noncommissioned officer, while in arrest or 
confinement, is reduced by sentence of a court-martial, the 
date of the order publishing the sentence is the date of re- 
duction. Tn all other cases reduction takes effect on the 
date of receipt of the order at the soldiers station. 

22. When passing in review, a noncommissioned officer 
commanding a company or platoon executes the rifle salute; 
when commanding a company or detachment separate from a 
battalion or other command, on passing the colors or any per- 
son entitled to the compliment, he salutes in the same man- 
ner, first bringing his command to the Eyes Right (or left). 



12 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 

CHAPTER II. 
The Noncommissioned Officer as Instructor. 

23. In the school of the soldier, the sergeants and corporals 
are generally the instructors, under the supervision of a com- 
missioned officer. 

24. In all drills, and especially in those of recruits in the 
school of the soldier, short and frequent drills are preferable 
to long ones, which exhaust the attention of both instructor 
and men. 

25. The instructor should, by careful study and practice, 
make himself thoroughly familiar with the details of every 
movement which he desires the recruit to execute. He should, 
before each drill, read over that portion of the Drill Regula- 
tions which pertains to the drill or instruction of the day. 

26. The instructor will always maintain a military bear- 
ing, and by a quiet, firm demeanor, set a proper example to 
the men. 

27. The instructor explains the movement to be executed 
in as few words as possible, at the same time executing it him- 
self. In explaining the movements, the instructor should be 
careful to do so in language which the recruit will understand; 
and when it becomes necessary to use technical expressions, he 
should explain them fully and ascertain by questioning if their 
meaning is understood by the men under instruction. 

28. He requires the recruits to take by themselves the 
proper positions, and does not touch them for the purpose of 
correcting them, except when they are unable to correct them- 
selves; he avoids keeping them too long at the same movement, 
although each should be understood before passing to another. 
He exacts by degrees the desired precision and uniformity. 

29. After the movements have been properly executed in 
the order laid down, he no longer confines himself to that order. 

30. When the execution of a. movement is improperly be- 



Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 13 

gun, and the instructor wishes to begin it anew for the pur- 
of correcting it, he commands, As yon were, at which 
the movement ceases and the former position is resumed. 
To stay the execution of a movement when marching" tor 
i he correction of errors the instructor commands: 1. In plac, 
2. Halt, when all halt and stand fast. To resume the move- 
ment he commands: 1. Resume, 2. March. 

31. The instructor should exercise great care in the giving 
of commands. The tone of the commands should be animated, 
distinct, and of a loudness proportioned to the strength of the 
command under instruction. 

32. Military commands are of two kinds. The preparatory 
command, such as, Forward or Bight shoulder, indicates fhe 
movement which is to be executed. The command of execu- 
tion, such as, March-, Halt, or Arms, causes the execution of 
the movement. 

33. The preparatory command should be given at such 
an interval of time before the command of execution as to ad- 
mit of its being properly understood; the command of execu- 
tion should be given at the instant that the movement is to 
commence. 

34. Each preparatory command is pronounced in an ascend- 
ing tone of voice, but always in such a manner that the com- 
mand of execution may be given in a more elevated and ener- 
getic tone. 

35. The command of execution should be pronounced in a 
firm and brief tone. 

"36. The proper giving of commands is of the utmost im- 
portance in securing uniformity and precision in the execution 
of all movements. 

37. In the different schools, the posts of the noncommis- 
sioned officers are specified, but, when acting as instructors, 
they may go wherever their presence is necessary, or wherever 
they may best observe the execution of the movements. 



14 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 

CHAPTER III. 

The Noncommissioned Officer as Guide. 

Ss. A guide is an officer, noncommissioned officer, or pri- 
vate, upon whom the command, or fraction thereof, regulates 
its march. 

39. The guide should always hear in mind that the precise 
execution of all movements by the company depends on the 
accurate and faithful performance of duty on the part of the 
guide. The dress and alignment of a company in line cannot 
be preserved unless the guide preserves a uniform cadence in 
marching and directs his march in a straight line. In column 
of fours the dress and marching of the squads is equally de- 
pendent upon the action of the guide. 

40. They should bear in mind that in order to direct the 
line of march in any direction, it is necessary to select two 
points on the line in their front and so direct their march as 
to keep these two points covered while advancing. They 
should exercise themselves in thus marching whenever oppor- 
tunity offers itself. 

41. The positions of the guides of a company in line are as 
follows: The right guide is in the front rank on the right of 
the first platoon; he is the right guide of this platoon and also 
of the company. The left guide is in the front rank on the 
left of the second platoon; he is the left guide of this platoon 
and also of the company. The left guide of the first platoon 
is in the line of file-closers, in rear of the second file from the 
left of the first platoon. The right guide of the second pla- 
toon is in the line of file-closers, in rear of the second file from 
the right of the second platoon. In platoon formations the left 
guide of the first platoon and the right guide of the second 



Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 15 

platoon take their positions in the front rank on the left and 
right of their respective platoons. 

42. In column of squads and twos, the leading and rear 
guides are in front and rear, respectively, of the leading 
or rear file on the side opposite the file-closers. Those guides 
already in the file-closers conform to the movements of the 
file-closers. 

43. The point of rest is the point at which any formation 
begins. 

44. Successive formations include formations, either into 
line or column, in which the several subdivisions arrive in 
their places successively — that is, one after the other. 

45. In all successive formations into line, the guides of 
the company first to arrive are posted on the line, opposite 
the right and left files of the company and facing toward the 
point of rest. These guides are posted by either the adju- 
tant or sergeant-major according to which is nearest the 
head of the column or the point of rest. 

46. In formations from a halt, the guides are posted at 
the preparatory command indicating the direction in which 
the line is to extend; if marching, they hasten toward their 
positions at the preparatory command, and are posted at the 
command march. 

47. In the formations on right (left) into line from column 
of companies, the first guide is posted eight paces to the right 
(left) of the leading company. When executed from column 
of squads, the guides are posted eight paces from the right 
(left) flank of the leading company excluding the file-closers; 
the guide at the point of rest being posted opposite the front 
rank of the rear squad. This distance of eight paces may 
be increased when desired. 

48. In the formations front into line from column of com- 



16 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 

panies, the guides are posted against the leading company. 
When executed from column of squads, the guide at the point 
of rest is posted five paces to the front and five paces to the 
right or left of the front rank of the leading squad of tTie 
leading company. This distance of five paces may be in- 
creased when desired. 

49. In the deployments, the guides are posted against the 
leading company. 

50. The line is prolonged as in forming the battalion; the 
.guides are assured by the adjutant or sergeant-major nearest 

the point of rest, or by both if the formation be central. 

51. Companies are halted one pace from the line of gni&es, 
and immediately dressed up to them toward the point of rest. 

52. When the principles of successive formations are well 
understood by the guides, they may be required to po^t 
themselves. 

53. The major commands: 1. Guides, 2. Posts, at the com- 
pletion of all successive formations into line. 

54. In successive formations, should the major desire to 
commence firing pending the Completion of the movement, 
he instructs the captains as to the kind of fire; the adjutant 
or sergeant-major at the head of the column cautions the 
guides not to take post marking the line. 

55. After a company has moved up to its guides at" the 
command dress, the file opposite the guide nearest the point 
of rest stands fast and the company is not moved to the right 
or left for the correction at an error of interval unless the 
major so directs. 

56. When a company in line is advancing toward the line 
of guides, the front rank man on the indicated flank acts as 
guide and directs his march on the guide of his company 
posted nearest the point of rest. 



Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 17 

57. In forming the battalion, the center company is con- 
ducted by its captain so as to arrive from the rear, parallel 
to the line; its right and left guides precede it on the line 
by about twenty paces, taking post facing to the left (point 
of rest) at order arms, so that their elbows are against the 
breasts of the right and left files of the base company when 
it is dressed; they are posted under the direction of the ad- 
jutant and sergeant-major. 

58. The line of guides is prolonged to the right by the 
right and left guides of companies of the right, wing who 
precede their companies on the line by about twenty paces, 
and establish themselves facing toward the point of rest so 
that each is opposite the proper flank of his company when 
it is on the line; the left guide places himself about five 
paces from the right guide of the preceding company. The 
adjutant aligns the guides, placing himself in rear of the 
right guides of companies as they successively arrive. 

The line of guides is similarly prolonged to the left by the 
guides of companies of the left wing, the sergeant-major 
aligning them in their positions, placing himself successively 
in rear of the left guides. 

59. Guides in front marking the line, in alignments and 
in successive formations including the formation of the bat- 
talion, stand at the order. 

60. In all changes by squads from line into column, col- 
umn into line, or from column of squads to twos, files, or 
the reverse, and in all turns about by squads, either in line 
or column, the guides and file-closers take their proper places 
in the most convenient way as soon as practicable after the 
command march. 



18 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 

Marchinv in line, to Effect a Slight Change of Direction. 

61. The captain commands: Incline to the right (left). 
The guide gradually advances the left shoulder and marches 

in the new direction; all the files advance the left shoulder 
and conform to the movements of the guide, lengthening or 
shortening the step, according as the change is toward the 
side of the guide, or the side opposite. 

G2. Guides and enlisted men in the line of file closers ex- 
ecute the manual of arms during the drill unless specially 
excused, when they remain at the order. During ceremonies 
they execute all movements. 

A noncommissioned officer as guide, or in command of a 
company, sub-division, or detachment, carries his piece as 
the men do. 

To Turn on Fixed Piv* t 

62. Guides and enlisted men in the line of file-closers ex- 
March, 3. Company, 4. Halt; or, 3. Full step, 4. Maroli, 5. 
Guide (right or left). 

At the second command, the right guide stands fast; the 
right front rank man marks time, turning to the right in 
his place; the other front rank men by twice obliquing to 
the right place themselves successively abreast of the pivot 
and mark time; the rear rank men in the right' squad con- 
form to the movement as in the School of the Squad; the 
men on their left advance three paces, then by twice obliqu- 
ing to the right place themselves successively forty inches in 
rear of their file leaders and mark time. 

At the third command, the right guide places fuinself 
on the right of the front rank. 

The fourth command is given when the last man arrives 



Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 19 

his new position; the command halt may bo given at any 
kime after the movement begins, only those halt who are in 
the new position. All align themselves to the right without 
command. 

Being in inarch, the movement is executed by the samt 
commands and in the same manner; the right guide halts 
and stands fast at the second command. 

In the turnings the guide on the pivot flank executes the 
manual with and carries his piece in the same position as 
the men in ranks. 

To Turn on Moving Pivot. 

64. Marching in line: 1. Right (Left) turn, 2. March, 3, 
: Full step, 4. March, 5. Guide fright or left). 

At the second command, the right guide faces to the right 
in marching and takes the half step; the other front rank 
men oblique to the right until opposite their places in line, 
execute a second right oblique and take the half step when 
abreast of the right guide; the rear rank advances and turns 
on the same ground and in the same manner as the front 
rank, maintaining the distance of forty inches. All take 

i the full step at the fourth command, which is given wh-n 

o|the last man arrives in his new position. 

fj Being at a halt, the movement is executed by the same 

- commands and in the same manner. At the second com- 

3 mand, the right guide faces to the right as in marching 

■ and steps off, at half step. 

] Right (Left) half turn is executed in a similar manner. 
The right guide makes a half change of direction to the right 

i and the other men make quarter changes in obliquing. 

65. To give the battalion a general alignment: 1. Guides 
center (right or left) company on the line, 2. Guides on the line, 
3. Center fright or left), 4. Dress, 5. Guides, 6. Posts. 



20 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 

At the first command, the designated guides place them- 
selves on the line facing the center (right or left); the major 
establishes them in the direction he wishes to give the 
battalion. 

At the second command, the guides of the other com- 
panies take the same posts as in forming the battalion. 

At the command dress, each captain dresses his company 
to the flank toward which the guides face. 

At the command posts, ihe guides return to their posts. 

66. In opening ranks of the company, the right and left 
guides of the company step three paces to the rear to mark 
the new alignment of the rear rank. When the rear rank has 
arrived on the new alignment, the right guide, remaining in 
his place in ranks, aligns it. At the command, Front, the 
guides resume their positions in the front rank. 

In opening and closing ranks, guides, file closers and rear 
rank carry their pieces at a trail while changing tfieir 
positions. 

67. In all changes of squads from line into column or from 
column into line or from column of squads to twos, files, or the 
reverse, and in. all wheel about by squads, either in line or col- 
umn, the guides take their proper places in the most convenient 
way as soon as practicable. 

68. Whenever a company is formed in column of platoons, 
or line of platoons in column of squads, the fourth and fifth 
sergeants place themselves as guides of their platoons as soon 
as practicable; they return to their posts in the line of file- 
closers when the company unites in line or columns of squads, 
unless they mark an alignment. 

69. In column of subdivisions the guide of the leading sub- 
division is charged with the step and direction; the guides in 
rear preserve the trace, step, and distance. 



Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 21 

Whenever a guide is forced out of the direction, he recovers 
it gradually; the guides in rear conform successively to his 
movements. 

70. When marching in column of subdivisions, in route 
step and at ease, the guides maintain the trace and distance. 

71. Bern- in column at full distance at a halt, if the guides 
do not cover or have not their proper distances, to correct 
them the major establishes the guide of the leading company 
and the guide next in rear, in the desired direction, and com- 
mands: 1. Right (or left) guides, 2. Cover. The designated 
guides place themselves covering the first two, each at full 
distance from the guide next in front; the adjutant and ser- 
g an: -major assure them in their positions. 

72. Distance is open space measured in the direction of 
depth — i. c. a from head to rear of any formation. 

73. Interval is the open space between elements in the 
same line, as 3 the interval between files, between companies 
in line, between battalions in line. 

74. The following are the intervals prescribed in the Drill 
Regulations for organizations: 

Between companies, the interval is three paces measured 
from guide to guide. 

Between battalions, the interval is twenty-four paces meas- 
ure d from guide to guide. 

Between companies in extended order, the interval is fifteen 
paces. 

Between regiments in brigade, the interval is forty-eight 
paces. 

Between companies in line of platoon columns, the full in- 
terval is platoon front and three paces; the close interval is 
eight paces. 

Between squads in extended order, the normal interval is 
about fifteen paces. 



22 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 

Between sections in extended order, the normal interval is 
about forty-five paces; between sections of two squads each, 
about thirty paces. 

75. The following are the distances prescribed in Drill 
Regulations: 

Between platoons, the distance is platoon front. 

Between companies, full distance in column of subdivisions 
is such that in forming line to the right or left, the subdivi- 
sions will have their proper intervals; in column of companies, 
it is company distance and three paces. Between companies in 
close column, the distance is eight paces. 

76. For battalion movements, guides should perfect them- 
selves in judging accurately the three paces, five paces, eight 
paces, and company distance prescribed for the various 
formations. 

77. In successive formations into line, the guides of each 
company should post themselves on the line in approximately 
their proper positions, and should then change their positions 
to conform to the movements of the preceding companies until 
their own company arrives on the line. As the latter ap- 
proaches, the guide farthest from the point of rest should 
glance toward the company and if necessary close up or open 
cut to the proper company distance, being careful not to get 
out of the line of the guides. 

78. After a company is halted and begins to dress, its 
guides should stand fast, never allowing themselves to be 
pushed out of position by the movements of the men in 
dressing. 



Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 2 > 

CHAPTER IV. 
The Noncommissioned Officer in Extended Order. 

79. The sauad is the basis of extended order. Men will be 
taught to regard the squad as the unit from which, they ought 
never to be separated; but 'if the squad should be broken up or 
the men become separated, they place themselves under the 
orders of the nearest leader and remain with his squad as if 
it were the one to which they originally belonged. 

80. Officers and noncommissioned officers give their atten- 
| tion to preserving the integrity of the squads; they appoint new 
| leaders to replace those disabled, organize new squads when 

necessary, and see that every man is' placed in a squad. 

81. In instruction in extended order, the movements must 
be made with reference to an enemy supposed to be in an indi- 
• a d direction. The enemy is said to be imaginary when his 
position and force are merely assumed; outlined when his posi- 
t'on and force are indicated by a few men only; represented 
when a body of troops acting as such has his supposed force 
and position. 

82. Men in extended order fix their attention at the first 
word of command, the first note of the trumpet, or the first 
motion of the signal; the movement commences immediately 
upon completion of the command, trumpet call, or signal. 

83. Extended order may be taken from any formation. 

84. Upon arriving on the line and upon halting, men in ex- 
tended order face to the front, whether in squads or as individ- 
ual skirmishers. 

85. No commands for dressing are given in extended order; 
the general alignment is taken toward the base file; the men 
stand and march at ease and pay close attention. 



24 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 

86. When necessary for any chief to leave his post, he will 
return as soon as possible. 

87. In the extended order drill of the company, the ser- 
geants are the chiefs of sections and the corporals are the 
SQuad leaders. 

88. In the normal company, the second sergeant is chief of 
the first section; the fourth sergeant is chief of the second sec- 
tion; the fifth sergeant is chief of the third section; the third 
sergeant is chief of the fourth section. The corporals are the 
leaders of the squads to which they belong or with which they 
are march ins:. 

89. In the exercises in leading the squad, the movements 
are executed at the signals of the corporal, and as far as pos- 
sible without commands or cautions. 

90. The movements are executed in the most direct man- 
ner, first in quick time, then in double time, finally at a run; 
they should not succeed each other so rapidly as to produce 
confusion. 

92. The squad is exercised in turning, marching to the 
front, rear, and by the flank, obliquing, halting, deploying, and 
assembling, etc. In these exercises, the signals prescribed in 
the Drill Regulations will be used and will be thoroughly ex- 
plained and illustrated to the squads by the squad leaders. 

93. The man in front of whom the corporal places himself 
is the guide of the squad, and follows in the trace of the corpo- 
ral at a distance of three paces. When the corporal does not 
want the squad to follow him, he commands: 1. Guide, center, 
and indicates the point of direction; if marching by the 
flank, he indicates the direction. 

97. Before giving commands for increasing or diminish- 
ing intervals, or assembling, the corporal indicates the file 
who is to be the base. This indication may be made by 



Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 25 

lug himself three paces in front of such file, or by oral 
designation. 

Cn halting, the corporal places himself three paces in rear 
of Ins squad if it is acting alone. When the squad is in line 
of squads the corporal is three paces in front whether march- 
ing or at a halt, and if deployed as skirmishers he is the 
left skirmisher. 

91. The post of a sergeant is opposite the center of his 

section; three paces in rear of the rear rank when the squads 

i are assembled, and the line of skirmishers when the squads 

are deployed. Sergeants not in command of sections are on 

the same line, in the same relative position as in close order. 

94. The post of a corporal when the squads are assem- 
! bled, is three paces in front of the base file of his squad; 

when the squads are deployed he takes his place as left 
I skirmisher of his squad. If his squad is detached he fol- 
lows the principles of the School of the Squad. 

95. The squad is deployed forward when it is in rear of 
the line to be occupied, and by the flank when it is already on 
that line. If the squad be at a halt, it is placed in march before 
deploying forward. If the squad be in march, it is halted be- 
fore being deployed by the flank. 

96. The normal interval between skirmishers is two paces; 
when a greater or less interval is used, it will be stated in the 
preparatory command. 

98. The deployment as skirmishers is made on the front 
r nk men of the second file from the right No. 2). The rear 
men place themselves on the alignment to the right of their 
file leaders, each, as soon as there is interval. 

99. If the squad is to kneel or lie down upon halting, the 
ccrporal gives the cautionary command, Kneel (or Lie down), 
upon halting, before giving commands for deploying. The 



2G Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers, 

squad will then kneel (or lie down) at each halt until other- 
wise directed. 

100. Officers and noncommissioned officers exact from the 
men obedience of the following rules: 

a. Never fire unless ordered. 

b. Never exceed the number of cartridges indicated. 

c. Never fire after the command or signal, cease firing. 

d. Always fire at the named objective; if so situated as 
to be unable to see the objective, do not fire. 

e. Always aim at the bottom line of the objective: if it 
be a line of men, aim at the feet; if a clump of trees, aim 
at the junction of tree trunks and ground. 

Scouts, from the nature of their duties, are given greater 
latitude. They are permitted to carry their pieces loaded 
and at the ready, and the question of firing is left largely 
to their judgment. It is frequently necessary for them to **ire 
in self-defense, to give the alarm or to avail themselves of 
opportunity to fire upon leaders of the enemy. 

101. The instructor will give the closest attention to the 
execution of the firings, and always exact the most rigid fire 
discipline. 

102. The firings are always executed at a halt. In ad- 
vancing to the attack skirmishers lie down on being halted. 
Those who can not see the objective rise to the kneeling or 
sitting position; and of these, those who can not see the 
objective rise to the standing position. 

103. For the firings, the post of the instructor is three 
paces in rear of the squad, but in actual firing he places him- 
self where he can best make himself heard and at the same 
time best observe the effects of the fire. 

104. The instructor should exercise the greatest of care in 
the proper giving of all commands for firings. He should thor- 



'Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 27 

oughly familiarize himself with the commands as prescribed in 
Drill Regulations, never varying therefrom. He should bear in 
mind that every command for firing should consist of the fol- 
lowing parts in the following order: 

1. That portion of the command that indicates the kind of 
fire, as: 1. Squad, 2. Load. (Indicating Volley Firing J 1. 
Fire at trill. Fire (so many) rounds, etc. 

2. That portion that indicates the range at which the men 
are to fix their sights, as, At (so many) yards. 

3. That portion of the command that indicates the object 
at which the squad is to direct its fire, as, At line of men, or, 
At linr of woods, etc. 

4. That portion which is necessary for the loading, aiming, 
and firing, viz.: 1. Ready. 2. Aim, 3. Squad, 4. Fire, 5. Load. 

105. For volley firing, the squad being in line facing the ob- 
ject to be fired upon, the pieces loaded and in any position: 
1. At (-so many) yards. 2. At (such object), 3. Ready, 4. Aim, 
5. Squad, .6. Fire. 

To fire another volley at the same objective with the same 
range: 1. Load, 2. Aim, 3. Squad, 4. Fire. 

To fire another volley at the same objective, but with a new 
range: 1. At (-so many) yards, 2. Aim, 3. Squad, 4. Fire, 
v. Load. 

To fire another volley at a new objective with a new range: 
1. At (so many) yards, 2. At (such and such an object), 3. 
Ready, 4. Aim, 5. Squad, 6. Fire, 7. Load. 

106. The objective and range will be indicated in the pre- 
paratory commands for all kinds of fire, as illustrated in the 
preceding examples. 

If the objective be at a considerable angle to the front of 
the squad, the instructor will change the front of the squad so 
as to face it. 



28 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 

The commands are given at sufficient intervals to allow 
them to be executed as already prescribed. The command, Fire, 
is given when the plieces appear to be steady. 

107. More than three volleys will rarely be fired without 
intermission; this is to allow the smoke to clear away, to 
steady the men, and to prevent the waste of ammunition. 

108. To fire at will: 1. Fire at will. 2. At (so many) 
)j'irf 7 s, 3. At (such object), 4. Commence Firing. 

At the fourth command those skirmishers who can see the 
enemy aim deliberately, fire, load, and continue the firing until 
the command or signal, Cease firing. 

The corporal may permit a few men only, usually the best 
shots, to fire; for this purpose he calls the men by name and 
then gives the same commands as before; the intensity of the 
fire is thus regulated by varying the numiber of the men firing. 

109. To fire as skirmishers with counted cartridges: 1. 
Fire one (Uco, or tlireej rounds, 2. At (so many) yards, 3. At 
(such an object), 4. Commence firing. 

At the fourth command those skirmishers who can see the 
enemy commence firing. Each man, after firing the number of 
cartridges, executes cease firing. 

To fire another series. Fire one (two, or three) rounds. 

The instructor wiill see that the number of cartridges indi- 
cated is never exceeded. 

110. In the rapid fire, the number of cartridges is not lim- 
ited; when used in advancing to the attack, the instructor or- 
ders bayonets fixed and sights laid down, and then commands: 
1. Rapid fire, 2. Commence firing. 

111. Halts are habitually made with a view: 1st, to ef- 
fective fire upon the objective; 2d, to distances necessary to 
pass o'/er: 3d, to the time and gaits required; 4th, to cover. 
All other considerations give way to those of effective fire. 



Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 29 

112. In a line of sections, squads, or skirmishers, the chief 
of section is six paces in rear of the center of his section. 
When the section acts as the support in the battle formation of 
a company, the post of the chief of section is six paces in front 
of the center of his section. 

113. In forming a line of squads or skirmishers, the chiefs 
of sections place themselves in rear of their base squads in 
line, or abreast of them in column; they see that the base 
squads keep the line of direction. The corporals take their 
posts in front of their squads, in line at the preparatory com- 
mand for forming line of squads; in deploying as skirmishers, 
they take or keep their places in ranks, retaining supervision 
of their sauads. 



30 Handbook for Noncommissioned Offi 



cers. 



CHAPTER V. 
Advance and Rear Guard Duty.* 

117. Troops marching in a hostile territory are preceded 
en the march by an advance guard and are followed by a rear 
guard. 

A column of troops on the march consists, therefore, of an 
advance guard, the main body, a rear guard, and, if necessary, 
flanking parties. 

118. In general terms the objects of the advance guard are 
to observe and to resist; specifically, they are: 

1. To provide for the security of the main body by giving 
it time to deploy when the enemy ds encountered. 
. 2. To clear the way for the main body and prevent its 
march being delayed. 

3. To seize and hold important points until the arrival of 
the main body. 

4. To support the cavalry screen, if there be one- in front 
of the column. 

119. The strength of the advance guard varies with tho 
strength of the main body, the object of the march, and the 
nature of the country through which the column is passing. 
As a general rule, the strength of the advance guard may be 
placed at one-sixth of the whole force. This may be reduced 
to one-eighth for small coimmands. 

1?0. An- advance guard consists of a series of detachments 
increasing progressively in s'ize from front to rear, each being 

:: The material for this chapter taken from "The Service of Security 
and Information," by Colonel Arthur L. Wagner, Assistant Adjutant-General 
U. S Army, by permission of the author. 



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Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 33 

charged with the duty of protecting from surprise the body im- 
mediately following it and gaining time for the latter to pre- 
pare for action. 

121. The advance guard is divided into two parts: the re- 
serve and the vanguard. The reserve consists of from one- 
third to one-half the entire advance guard. The remainder 

stitutes the vanguard, which is divided into the advance 
party and the support, the support being generally twice the 
size of the advance party. 

122. When a single company forms the advance guard, the 
first section constitutes the advance party, the second section 
the support, and the second platoon the reserve. 

123. The company being in column of squads at a halt, the 
captain commands; 1. Form advance guard, 2. March. 

At the first command the first sergeant takes command of 
«' first section, and the corporal of the first squad exchanges 
places with his rear rank man. 

At the command, March, the front rank of the first squad 
under command of the second sergeant, moves to front as the 
point. 

The rear rank of the first squad obliques to the left to 
foi m a flanking group. 

The front rank of the second squad obliques to the right 
to form a flanking group. 

124: The point and flankers all move out at the double 
time, reducing the pace to quick time when they have gained 
their proper distances. 

125. The first sergeant detaches two men of the rear rank 
o^ the second squad to march as connecting files between the 
advance party and the support, puts the other two in the file- 
closers, and commands: 1. Forward, 2. March, the second 
command being given as soon as the point has gained its 
proper distance. 



34 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 

126. The first lieutenant (remaining with the second sec- 
tion) commands: 1. Forward, 2. March. The second com- 
mand being given as soon as the advance party has its proper 
distance. He then adds: 1. Rear squad, 2. Right and left 
oblique, 3. March. The front rank of the rear squad obliques 
to the right, the rear rank to the left, at double time, form- 
ing the fiankers of the support, and taking quick time on gain- 
ing their positions. 

127. The captain (remaining with the second platoon) 
gives the command: 1. Forward, 2. March, the second com- 
mand being given as soo>n as the support has advanced its 
proper distance. If necessary, flankers may be thrown out 
from the reserve by the same commands and means as from 
the support. 

128. The entire advance guard marches habitually at 
attention. 

129. If the command ds: 1. Form advance guard, 2. Double 
time, 3. March, the point and flankers move out as already 
prescribed, but do not reduce their pace upon gaining their 
positions. The advance party, the support, and the reserve, 
move forward successively at the double time. The reserve 
takes the quick time at the command of the captain and the 
other parts of the advance guard conform to the movements of 
the reserve. 

130. To assemble the advance guard, the reserve is halted 
and the other parts of the advance guard at once halt. The 
command: 1. Assemble, 2. March, is then given or the signal 
for assembly is given. This command is repeated by the com- 
manders of the advance party and the vanguard, and at the 
command, March, all parts of the advance guard move toward 
the reserve by the shortest line and take their places in column. 

131. Upon the receipt of an order to form a company as a 



Formation for <? 

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Cor/to rot 



Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 37 

rear guard, its captain halts it, and, if it be not already in that 
formation, forms it in column of squads facing the enemy or 
to ihe rear. The main body having gained the proper distance, 
the captain commands: 1, Form rear guard, 2. Second platoon, 
squads right about, 3. March, and the second platoon under 
command of the captain, at once moves to the rear and follows 
the main body. At the command: 1. First and rear squads, 2. 
IHght and left oblique, 3. March, the designated squads move 
out as flankers in the manner prescribed for the advance guard, 
the front rank to the right and the rear rank to the left. 

132. When the reserve has gained its proper distance, the 
first lieutenant commands: 1. Second section, 2. Squads left 
about, 3. March, and it follows the reserve as a support, main- 
taining the proper distance. Flankers are sent out from the 
rear squads as in the advance guard. 

133. The support having gained its proper distance, the 
first sergeant commands: 1. Form rear party, 2. March. At 
the first command, the corporal of the first squads exchanges 
places with his rear rank man, and at the command, March. 
the rear rank of the first squad and the front rank of the sec- 
ond squad face to the left and right respectively, leave the 

! column at the double time, and, upon gaining their proper 
interval from the column, march to the rear at the quick 
time. The front rank of the first squad stands fast. 

134. Immediately after giving the command for forming 
the rear party, the first sergeant commands: 1. Squads left 
about, 2. March, and afterwards detaches two men as con- 
necting files between the rear party and the support. The 
front rank of the first squad, under command of the second 
sergeant, assumes the proper formation for the rear point, 
and marches to the rear as soon as the rear party has gained 
the proper distance. 



38 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 

135. While at a halt, each part of the advance guard re- 
mains in its place. All parts of the advance guard should, 
while at a halt, face in the supposed direction of the enemy. 

136. The point and advance party are charged with the 
duty of observing and investigating everything suspicious in 
character on or near the line of march of the column. They 
should be constantly on the alert for any and all signs of the 
enemy, and should make immediate reports of his where- 
abouts, when discovered, to the commander of the vanguard. . 
They should, without unnecessarily delaying the advance of 
the main body, investigate all houses, ravines, woods, or other 
places likely to afford concealment to the enemy along the line 
of march. 

137. The flankers are charged with a similar duty on 
their respective flanks, and they will exercise especial vigil- 
ance in investigating all places where the enemy might con- 
ceal themselves and deliver a flank attack on the main body. 

138. When it becomes necessary for the different parts of 
the advance guard to communicate with each other, they will 
do so by means of the prescribed or pre-arranged signals, and 
without unnecessary shouting or firing. 

139. Flanking parties should be under the command of 
noncommissioned officers or experienced privates, and in ad- 
vancing they should take up the formation shown in the dia- 
gram, i. c, two men in front and one in rear of the group 
leader. The distances by which these men will be separated 
will depend on the nature of the country through which the 
flanking party is passing, being much greater in an open 
country than in a rough, broken country. 

114. An advance guard is a body of troops thrown out in 
front of a marching column to cover its movements, to pre- 
vent surprise, and to gain information. 

115. Rear guards are correspondling bodies in the rear of 



Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 39 

the column. In forward movements, they protect the rear of 
the column fiom raiding parties or detachments, arrest strag- 
glers, prevent pillaging, etc. 

116. In retreat they cover the column, checking the enemy, 
and delaying him so as to insure the safety of the column. 

140. The example heretofore given of the order of march 
of a small advance guard serves equally well for a type of a 
rear guard of the same strength if it be considered as faced 
to the rear throughout. 

141. In order to save unnecessary marching on the part 
of the point, advance party, and support, it may, under certain 
circumstances, be advantageous to assemble the advance guard 
on the point. The arrival of the advance guard in camp would 
be such a circumstance. The point acting under instructions 
previously received or in response to pre-arranged signals 
would halt at the designated point. The other parts of the ad- 
vance guard, at the command of their respective chiefs, move 
by the shortest lines on the point and take their proper posi- 
tions in column. 



40 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 

CHAPTER VI. 
The Noncommissioned Officer in Command of Patrols.* 

142. A patrol consists of from three to nine men under the 
command of a noncommissioned officer or experienced private. 
It is desirable that at least one member of the patrol speak 
the language of the country in which the army is operating. 

143. The patrol commander should be given clear and defi- 
nite instructions as to the duty to be performed, and he should 
be required to repeat them to the members of the patrol in the 
presence of the officer giving them. 

144. These instructions should inform him: 1. The ob- 
ject of the reconnaissance. 2. What is known about the 
enemy. 3. The nature of the ground over which he is to re- 
connoiter. 4. The direction or directions in which he is to 
reconnoiter. 5. How Ions he is to remain out. 6. Where his 
reports are to be sent. 7. If other patrols are to be sent out 
at the same time, the particular route he is to follow. 

145. The patrol commander must be certain that he under- 
stands his instructions thoroughly. If he has the slightest 
doubt, he should ask for a repetition of his orders. 

146. He then inspects the patrol, being careful that each 
man has the proper amount of ammunition, and that none are 
sick, intoxicated, or foot-sore. Any member of the patrol hav- 
ing a cold that causes him to cough will be replaced. He will 
see that the arms and accouterments of the patrol are so ar- 
ranged that they do not rattle or glisten. 

147. He then points out to the patrol the positions of their 
own forces, and indicates a place of assembly in case the patrol 

*The material for this chapter taken from "The Service of Security and 
Information," by Colonel Arthur L. Wagner, Assistant Adjutant-General, 
U. S. Army. By permission of the author. 



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Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 43 

should become dispersed or members lost therefrom. He ex- 
plains the signals to be used, and cautions the men that !hey 
are not to talk unnecessarily, and in whispers when they do; 
.hat they must not smoke or make a light of any kind. 

148. When on the march, the patrol should have the gen- 
eral formation of a main body, advance guard, rear guard, and 
flankers, even if the different parts are represented by one man 
only. If necessary to dispense with any of these parts, the 
flankers should first be dispensed with. 

149. The patrol must always be so formed as to facilitate 
the gaining of information, and to insure, if possible, the es- 
cape of at least one man, if the patrol should be cut off. 

150. The distances between the members of the patrol 
depend upon circumstances. They are rarely less than twenty- 
five or more than one hundred yards. The men should be close 
enough to see and hear each other's signals and for mutual 
support. 

151. When practicable, the point should consist of two 
men, one to scout vigilantly toward the enemy, the other to 
watch for signals from the other members oi the patrol. 

152. The members of the patrol should endeavor to always 
keep the point in view, or, in case of a large patrol, each man 
should endeavor to keep in sight the man next him toward 
the point. 

153. The patrol moves cautiously, but not timidly, along 
hedges, walls, ditches, ravines, etc.. seeking in every way to see 
without being seen. It halts frequently to listen, observe, and 
get the bearings of the patrol. The commander should take 
notice of landmarks and directions, in order that he may not 
lose his way. 

154. The patrol should if practicable return by a different 
route than the one followed on advance, as it thus extends the 
ground over which it reconnoiters and lessens the chance of 
being cut off. 



44 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 

155. Patrols should be careful not to move along great 
roads when it is possible to observe them carefully without 
doing so. They will not ordinarily enter villages, but will 
turn them and observe them carefully. 

156. The patrol should not halt to rest before its return, 
unless it is imperatively necessary to do so. In such case it 
should rest in concealment in some place which offers advan- 
tages for defense and for retreat. 

157. During the day a patrol should march along high 
ground from which an extensive view may be obtained. At 
night it should be on low ground, so as to bring approaching 
people into view on the sky-line. 

158. If one patrol meets another of the same force, the 
commanders should exchange information. Friendly patrols 
should recognize each other quietly. At night they will chal- 
lenge and demand the parole and countersign. 

159. When a patrol encounters a hostile patrol, it is gener- 
ally better to remain in concealment than to attack. When, 
however, a hostile patrol has penetrated so far as to make it 
probable that they have gained important information, an at- 
tempt should be made to surprise and capture it. 

160. If the patrol is attacked, it should return the attack 
boldly, and, if defeated, should disperse, each man making his 
way back to the rendezvous designated beforehand. If they 
encounter a large force, they should retreat, keeping up a lively 
fusillade in order to give warning. 

161. If challenged by a hostile sentinel, the patrol should 
remain halted and silent. If challenged a second time, it 
should endeavor to sneak away, unless it has orders to capture 
prisoners, when a sudden rush should be made with a view to 
capturing the sentinel before assistance can reach him. 

162. Upon the approach of inhabitants of the country, the 
patrol remains in concealment. Should they prove to be civil- 



Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 45 

ians coming from the direction of the enemy, they should be 
carefully questioned as to the whereabouts of the enemy, what 
the enemy is doing, his probable strength and condition, 
whether he has patrols out, and any information as to the loca- 
tion or roads leading to the enemy. 

163. People going in the direction of the enemy should be 
halted and never permitted to pass unless they have passes 
from undoubted authority. 

164. If it becomes necessary to take a guide from among 
the people of the country, he should be treated kindly, but 
should be warned that any treachery will be promptly and 
severely punished, 

165. A patrol coming to a cross-roads should investigate 
each road, sending two men in each direction to the first turn 
of the road. If anything is seen, one man returns quickly to 
report while the other remains to observe. The same precau- 
tions will be observed in regard to heights. 

166. In case of a defile wiiich cannot be reconnoitered or a 
bridge or ford where all of the patrol cross at the same place, 
the patrol passes through in single file and at double time. In 
passing through woods, the patrol should be deployed over as 
large a front as possible with safety and the wood passed in 
this manner. Upon arriving on the farther edge of the wood, 
the patrol should remain concealed and observe carefully be- 
fore passing out to the open ground. 

167. Enclosures, such as gardens, parks, cemeteries, and 
houses, should be approached and examined by one or two 
members of the patrol, the rest of the patrol remaining in con- 
cealment where they can observe and, if necessary, assist. 

168. A patrol should exercise great vigilance in entering 
a village. A general formation for so doing would be to enter 
in single file, at proper distances for observation and support, 
each man being on the opposite side of the street from his 



46 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 

predecessor. If the patrol is strong enough, it should seize 
the postoffice, telegraph office, and railroad station, and secure* 
all important papers that may be there. 

169. The best time to enter a village is at day-break, when 
it is light enough to see and before the inhabitants are awake. 

170. If the patrol advances to the enemy's position, it will 
endeavor to ascertain all information concerning the length 
and direction of the position, the number and positions of the 
sentinels, the number and positions of the pickets, the roads 
leading to the position from the front and from the flanks, 
and whether the enemy is making any changes in his dispo- 
sitions. If possible, a position on the enemy's flank will be 
taken up and information as to location of the troops obtained. 

171. If the patrol encounters the enemy on the march, it 
should take up a position where it will be concealed and be- 
yond the reach of the enemy's flankers, and observe the prog- 
ress of the column, endeavoring to estimate its strength and 
its rate of marching. In selecting a place of concealment, the 
patrol should be careful to avoid any conspicuous places, even 
if considerable distances from the line of march of the hostile 
column, as they would in all probability be searched. The 
commander of the patrol should send messengers back con- 
stantly and should not hesitate to send back even his last man, 
if the importance of the information demand it. 

172. ■ Reports should be sent back whenever anything of im- 
portance is seen. If in doubt as to the importance, a report 
should be sent. These reports may be written or oral. If oral, 
the messenger should be required to repeat the report before 
starting, in order to be sure that he understands it. In case 
of an important message in a country where the enemy is nu- 
merous, it is best to send the same message by several men. 

173. Written reports should be confined to facts, legibly 
written, and brief. No more should be said than is necessary 
to state the facts clearly and explicitly. 



Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 47 

CHAPTER \ll. 

Escorts." 

174. An escort is a detachment of troops detailed to ac- 
company and afford protection to supplies, or to officials trav- 
elling in a hostile territory, or to conduct and guard prisoners. 

175. The size and composition of escorts depend on various 
factors. A large and valuable train, a paymaster with his 
funds, or an important official, requires a large escort. When 
in the vicinity of an active enemy, a large escort is necessary. 
When in an open country, cavalry will be more in demand; 
while in a close, rugged country, infantry will preferably per- 
form this duty. 

176. Generally speaking, an escort on the march consists 
of a main body, an advance guard, rear guard, and flankers. 

177. Escorts commanded by noncommissioned officers will 
generally consist of from five to twenty men and will be for 
the purpose of guarding a small train or a small number of 
prisoners. For larger and more important escorts, a commis- 
sioned officer would be detailed. Escorts of an insane patient 
or of one or two prisoners may consist of a noncommissioned 
officer and one or more privates. 

178. The commander of an escort will first inspect his de- 
tail to see that the members thereof are properly armed and 
equipped; that none are sick, foot-sore, or intoxicated; that 
they are properly rationed for the trip; he will then report to 
the post adjutant for instructions. He then proceeds to the 
place where the train or the prisoners are waiting and gives 
instructions for the forming of the escort. 



"In this chapter "Organization and Tactics." bv Colonel Arthur L. 
Wasrner, Assistant Adjutant-General, U. S. Army, was freely used for much 
of the material on the subject of escorts and convoys in hostile territory. 

4= — - 



48 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 

179. Upon passing the line of sentinels of the camp or 
garrison, he causes the point and flankers to be thrown out and 
directs a portion of the escort to remain behind as a rear 
guard. The remainder of the escort under the commander of 
the escort takes its position in front of the train. 

180. The point, flankers, and rear guard should compose 
about half of the escort, the other half constituting the main 
body. 

181. The point, flankers, and rear guard should be at 
such a distance from the train as to prevent its being sur- 
prised, but should not be so far away as to permit of being 
cut off from the main body. It is best, however, to be far 
enough in advance to discover and engage the enemy at such 
a distance that he cannot throw the train into confusion. 

182. An attacking force will generally try to take a train 
in flank. Care should be taken that a feint in front does not 
draw the entire escort into action, thus leaving the train open 
to a flank attack. 

183. In passing a bridge, ford, defile, or other locality 
favorable for a surprise, the train should be halted until the 
advance guard has passed and taken up a position beyond, 
when the train may proceed. 

184. Every member of an escort should be constantly on 
the alert for any and all indications of the enemy. No place 
of possible concealment should be passed without investiga- 
tion. With small escorts, constant vigilance is the only price 
of safety. 

185. If attacked, the enemy should be engaged and held 
where it is encountered — ?. p., at some distance from the train. 
If the engagement results in victory for the escort, the pur- 
suit, if any, should bo small. If the enemy is in such force 
as to make a retreat necessary, care should be exercised in 
turning the wagons around in order to prevent their upsetting. 



fscorf o/ 7 /rte/r 
/or Smti/f TratfX. 






S 



Commander $* €SCori- 



Escort of 7 men u/Ae/i 
/7a/)ferj are '/r?^> rocticodle. 



i e 



Commander of £iCQt£ 



Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 51 

our wagon upset in the road may block and prevent the re- 
treat or tiie entire train. 

ISt). Ill escorting prisoners, the strength of the escort is 
generally fixed at one infantry soldier for every ten prisoners. 
\\\ the case of a small number of prisoners, the proportionate 
escort would be much larger. 

187. The escort should be formed as indicated in para- 
graph 179, the prisoners being placed in some convenient for- 
mation, such as column of twos, fours, etc. In this case the 
main body would march in rear of the column of prisoners, 
with single men marching at intervals on each side of the 
column. 

188. If the commander of the escort does not speak the 
language of the prisoners, he should be provided with an in- 
terpreter who does. 

189. Prisoners should be treated with kindness and con- 
sideration, but should be given to understand that any attempt 
to escape, or that any offer of violence to their guard, will be 
promptly and severely dealt with. They should not be per- 
mitted to hold conversation or communication with any one 
except their guard, and then only when necessary. 

190. At night they will be placed in enclosures or build- 
ings, if possible, but the vigilance of the guard should in no 
way be relaxed. 

191. If halting for rest or if menaced by die enemy, the 
prisoners will be closed in a compact mass. The defense of 
a convoy of prisoners will be conducted as indicated for that 
of a train. 

192. In time of peace and when escorting military prison- 
ers, a noncommissioned officer will, upon the receipt of the 
order; report to the post adjutant for instructions. He will 
then report with his order to the post quartermaster for the 
necessary transportation. If the journey is to be of more than 



52 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 

one day's duration and the order does not direct otherwise, he 
will report to the post commissary for rations for himself and 
escort, or commutation thereof. 

193. He forms and inspects his detail as prescribed in 
paragraph 178, and proceeds to the designated place to receive 
the prisoners. He carefully verifies their number and receipts 
for the same. Having once received them, he becomes respon- 
sible for their safe keeping, and will make such disposition of 
his escort as will in his opinion insure their safe guarding. 
In case of a small escort, or where it is necessary to conduct 
the prisoners through a crowded district favorable for escape, 
such as depots, ferries, etc., or where the prisoners are des- 
perate characters, and an attempt at escape is apprehended, 
it would be best to handcuff the prisoners in pairs, and, if 
necessary, handcuff the pairs to members of the escort. 

196. In conducting the prisoners and while waiting in de- 
pots, ferries, etc., it is best to select some inconspicuous posi- 
tion and avoid being an object of public curiosity. 

197. Upon arrival at the destination, the party will pro- 
ceed to the office of the post adjutant, or, if it be a prison, to 
the office of the officer in charge, and the commander of the 
escort will report his arrival. In reporting, the commander 
of the escort should say: "Sir, Sergeant (or Corporal) So- 

and-So, Co. , Infantry, reports his arrival from Fort 

with (so many) prisoners. He will then dispose of his 

prisoners as directed by the official, taking a receipt for them. 
Having turned over his prisoners, he will then report to the 
proper authorities for subsistence and transportation for him- 
self and escort to their proper station. 

198. Upon return to his proper station, he will report his 
return to the post adjutant and turn in the receipt for the 
prisoners. 



Escort of 7 men 
/>r f/nc if ffu, m/jrer of Prisoners. * 



CoPrmandtr, of Escort 



, V ^ 






S- 



Escort of 7 /Tltn 
When Flankers are. 
imp r/i c //€ « trie 



* 






i 

iCa <nni an Ucr \ of E*C Oft 



X 



4 

4 



Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 55 

lyy. While en route, the commander of the escort will not 
permit the use of intoxicants by either the members of the 
escort or by the prisoners, and he will not permit them to 
annoy or disturb the public by noisy or disorderly conduct. 

200. If it should become necessary to remain over night 
in cities, towns, or other localities where it is impossible to 
properly guard the prisoners under his charge, the commander 
of the escort will make application at a police station or jail 
for permission to lock his prisoners up for the night. 

201. An insane soldier will be escorted by a noncommis- 
sioned officer. When a number are sent at one time, or when 
the patient or patients are violent, the department commander 
may order such addition to the escort as may be necessary. 
Th.« noncommissioned officer will report to the Military Sec- 
retary of the Army by telegraph, at least twenty-four hours 
in advance, the probable time and place of his arrival in Wash- 
ington. After leaving his patient at the asylum, the noncom- 
missioned officer will report to the Military Secretary of the 
Army for instructions. A. R. 467. 

202. Upon receipt of the order for this duty, the noncom- 
missioned officer will report, as prescribed in paragraph 192, 
for instructions, subsistence, and transportion. 

203. If, upon arrival in Washington, there is neither trans- 
portation nor instructions aw r aiting the noncommissioned offi- 
cer at the place of arrival, he should remain at that point and 
telephone the Military Secretary's office for instructions. 

204. While traveling or waiting in public places, the non- 
commissioned officer should endeavor to make himself and 
his patient or patients as inconspicuous as possible. 

205. The funeral escort of a noncommissioned staff officer 
will consist of sixteen rank and file, commanded by a sergeant; 
of a sergeant fourteen rank and file, commanded by a ser- 



56 Uandhook for Noncommissioned Officers. 

geant; of a corporal, twelve rank and file, commanded by a 
corporal; of a private, eight rank and file, commanded by a 
corporal. A. R. 501. 

206. A funeral escort is formed opposite the tent or quar- 
ters of the deceased, the band being on the flank of the escort 
toward which it is to march. Upon the appearance of the 
coffin, the commander of the escort commands: 1. Present, 

2. Arms, and the band plays an appropriate air. Arms are 
then brought to the order, after -which the coffin is taken to 
the flank of the escort opposite the music. 

207. If the escort be small, as in the case of the escort of 
an enlisted man, the escort may be marched in line. The pro- 
cession being formed, the commander of the escort puts it in 
march, arms at the right shoulder. 

208. The escort marches slowly to solemn music; the col- 
umn having arrived opposite the grave, line is formed facing 
it. The coffin is then carried along the front of the escort to 
the grave, arms are presented, the music plays an appropriate 
air; the coffin having been placed over the grave, the music 
ceases and the arms are brought to the order. 

209. The commander of the escort next commands: 

1. Parade, 2. Rest. The escort executes parade rest, the offi- 
cers and men inclining the head to the front. 

210. When the funeral services are completed and the cof- 
fin lowered into the grave, the commander of the escort causes 
the escort to resume attention and fire three rounds of blank 
cartridges, the muzzles of the pieces being elevated. 

211. The escort will be brought to attention by the com- 
mand: 1. Escort, 2. Attention. To fire the volleys, the com- 
mands are as follows: 1. With blanlc cartridges, 2. Squad, 

3. Load, 4. Ready, 5. Aim, 6. Squad, 7. Fire, 8. Load. 
When three volleys have been fired, the command: 1. Cease, 

2. Firing, will be given. After the trumpeter has sounded 



Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 57 

'Taps," the escort is formed into column, marched in quick 
time to the point where it was assembled, and dismissed. 

212. When the distance to the place of interment is con- 
siderable, the escort, after having left the camp or garrison, 
may march at ease until it approaches the burial-ground, 
when it is called to attention. 

213. "When necessary to escort the remains from the quar- 
ters of the deceased to the church before the funeral service, 
arms are presented upon receiving the remains at the quar- 
ters, and also as they are borne into the church. 

214. When escorting the remains to some point for trans- 
portation, the escort presents arms while the remains are 
being transferred from the hearse and embarked for trans- 
portation. 

194. In receiving military prisoners, the commander of 
the escort will be careful to verify the list of clothing and 
other articles of public property in their possession. While * 
under his charge, he is responsible that they do not discard 
or lose any of these articles. The list should be again verified 
when the prisoners are turned over at their destination. 

195. When on trains or boats, a sentinel should always be 
posted over the prisoners, especially at night. When any one 
prisoner is separated from the rest — to go to the water-closet, 
etc. — he should always be accompanied by a sentinel, with in- 
structions to keep the prisoner constantly in sight. 



58 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

Outpost Duty.* 

215. Outposts are detachments thrown out from a force, 
when halted, to protect it from surprise. Like advance guards 
on the march, outposts are charged with the duty of observa- 
tion and resistance. They prevent reconnaissance of the posi- 
tion by the enemy's scouts and patrols, give warning of the 
approach of the enemy, and offer sufficient resistance to the 
enemy's attacks to enable the main body to prepare for action. 

216. The duties of the outposts may be classified as 
follows: 

1. Observation: To observe constantly all approaches by 
which the enemy might advance; to watch and immediately 
report the movements of the enemy. 

2. Resistance: To prevent reconnaissance by the enemy; 
above all, to check the advance of the enemy long enough to 
enable the main body to prepare for action. 

217. The outpost is divided into four parts — namely: 
(1) Sentinels or vedettes, (2) pickets, (3) supports, (4) re- 
serve. The sentinels occupy the line of observation; the sup- 
ports usually occupy the line of resistance. 

218. The strength of the reserve varies from one-third to 
one-half of the entire outpost, the rest of the outpost consti- 
tuting the supports and pickets. Each picket depends on the 
number of sentinels and patrols it has to furnish, and each 
support should be equal to the aggregate of all the pickets it 
supports. 

-The material for this chapter is taken from "The Service of Security and 
Information." by Colonel Arthur L. Wagner, Assistant Adjutant-General, 
U. S. Army, by permission of the author. 



Lint. qj. P/c/se-tj omitted 



Corpse'* 7> c j t j 






& 



S-u./>/>, 



a r /j 



'.*«•") 



rfi 



'» me,n eac\ 






^ 



/oa men 



Ou,tpo?t Composed of 
Bafta lion of Jnfaitry 



Se/i i" in e. Is 
40»y*i k V > V A j-Jr*. 

1/ 






* 'Ti9lett\ vv" 



\5o men wei , 



# 






too men 



Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers* Gi 

219. The outpost should cover the front of the force it is 
"protecting and overlap its flanks unless they are protected by 
impassable obstacles. 

220. The disposition of the parts of an outpost and the 
distances between the parts thereof are shown in the accom- 
panying plates, both of which show permissible formations 
for outposts. 

221. The duties of noncommissioned officers on outposr 
will in general be confined to the command of examining posts, 
detached posts, Cossack posts, the posting, inspecting, instruct- 
ing, and relieving of sentinels, and in the group system o f 
posting sentinels, in the command of one or more groups. 

222. An examining post is a point designated on the line 
of the outposts at which all persons desiring to pass the line 
of outposts must present themselves for examination and 
authority. 

223. It will consist of an officer or noncommissioned offi- 
cer and six men — three reliefs for one double sentinel post. 

224. Upon the approach of any person to the examining 
post, one of the sentinels advances and halts him at some dis- 
tance from the line, while the other notifies the commander 
of the post, who examines the stranger and either allows him 
to pass or conducts him to the commander of the picket. 

225. Any person approaching the line of sentinels at any 
other than the designated point is passed along from post to 
post, until he is brought to the examining post. Care should 
be taken that such person is not afforded an opportunity to 
observe the location of the pickets or supports. 

226. The bearers of a flag of truce will not, as a rule, be 
permitted to pass the line of sentinels. When such persons 
or other suspected persons are passed beyond the line of sen- 
tinels, they will be blindfolded. 

227. The commander of an examining post should exercise 



62 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 

the greatest care in the examination of persons before allow- 
ing them to pass, and in case of any doubt should report to 
the next higher authority, first blindfolding the person before 
sending him farther within the lines. 

228. A detached post is a detail of from three to twelve 
men under an officer or noncommissioned officer, detached 
from a picket to protect an exposed point or support an iso- 
lated sentinel. 

229. A noncommissioned officer in command of a detached 
post should, upon arrival at the designated place, post a senti- 
nel or sentinels so that they may best observe the surround- 
ing country without unnecessarily exposing themselves to 
view. He should then place the remainder of the detachment 
where it will be concealed from view and at the same time be 
within easy reach of the sentinel. 

230. He will require the men to remain under arms at all 
times, and will not permit noise among them. He will not 
permit fires to be lighted. 

231. If the post be important, and it is thought that an 
attempt might be made by the enemy to capture it, it may 
be entrenched with hasty entrenchments, the fresh earth be- 
ing covered by sod and the branches of trees. 

232. The times and methods of posting and relieving sen- 
tinels will be prescribed by the commander of the outpost. 

233. Sentinels may be posted singly or in pairs; in the 
latter case, both should be constantly on the alert, and when 
anything suspicious is observed, one should go and investi- 
gate, while the other remains on post. They should be posted 
far enough apart to prevent easy conversation. 

234. The noncommissioned officers will see that the senti- 
nels do not smoke, or have about them any glittering accou- 
ferments. Except in foggy weather or on a dark night, they 
will *oo that they keep their bayonets in th^* scabbards. 



Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. ' 63 

235. In instructing sentinels, they will see that each sen- 
tinel thoroughly understands the following: 

1. The countersign. 2. The number of his own post. 
3. The number and position of his own picket and the name of 
its commander. 4. The position of the neighboring sentinels 
and the examining post when there is one. 5. The direction 
of the enemy and the probable line of his advance. 6. The 
point, to which all roads, paths, and railroads in sight lead. 
7. The names of all villages and rivers in view. 8. The sig- 
nals by which he should communicate with the pickets and 
detached posts. 9. The principal thing is to see that the sen- 
tinel knows where to look for the enemy and wha^to do if he 
sees him. 

236. Deserters from the enemy are halted at some distance 
from the post, and required to lay down their arms. The lorn- 
mander of the picket is at once notified. If the deserters are 
pursued by the enemy, they are ordered to halt, and if they 
do not do so, they are fired upon. 

237. In posting sentinels, the most intelligent men should 
be assigned to the most important posts. It is advisable to 
keep men on the same posts instead of changing them to new 
posts each time they are posted. 

238. A sentinel on post pays no compliments and takes 
no notice of any of his officers who come upon his post, unless 
addressed by them, except so far as may be necessary to chal- 
lenge and identify them. 

239. Outposts should, as a rule, avoid unnecessary move- 
ments tending to bring on an engagement; but, if attacked, 
should resist stubbornly, iu order to give the main body time 
to prepare for action. The chief resistance is usually made 
on the line of the supports. The pickets will, as a general 
rule, advance in line of skirmishers to the line of the senti- 
nels; the whole line then falls back to the line of the supports. 



64 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 

240. A Cossack post consists of four men — i. e., three men 
and a noncommissioned officer or experienced private. When 
Cossack posts are used, the line of pickets is dispensed with 
and the posts are sent out directly from the supports. 

241. When using the Cossack posts, the sentinels are 
posted singly, one being sent out from each post, the other 
two and the noncommissioned officer remaining concealed in 
rear and within easy distance. The sentinel is posted from 
ten to twenty yards in front of the post, in a position where 
he can best observe the surrounding country. 

242. The members of the post should keep the sentinel in 
constant view. Each post should be intrenched and should 
be so stationed that it is able to cross its fire with that of the 
posts on both sides of it. 

243. The duties of the noncommissioned officer in com- 
mand of a Cossack post are the same as those prescribed for 
a noncommissioned officer in command of a relief when pick- 
ets are used. 



Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers, 65 

CHAPTER IX. 

The First Sergeant. 

244. The first sergeant of a company or organization is 
selected by the company commander for his excellence of 
character, capacity to command the respect and obedience of 
the enlisted men, intelligence, efficiency, and military bearing. 
He assists the company commander and the commissioned 
officers of the company in the discipline, instruction, and ad- 
ministration of the company, 

245. The first sergeant is the senior noncommissioned offi- 
cer of the organization to which he belongs, and, in the ab- 
sence of the commissioned officers, he is responsible for the 
preservation of order, the maintenance of discipline, and the 
enforcing of orders and regulations in the company. 

246. He is responsible under the company commander for 
the proper care and preservation of all company books and rec- 
ords. He will supervise the company clerk in all of the cler- 
ical work pertaining to the company, such as the preparation 
of roils, reports, schedules, and letters, and he will see that the 
proper and appropriate entries of all papers pertaining to or 
passing through the company office are made in the company 
books of record: he will see that the files of orders, circulars, 
letters, retained copies of rolls, returns, reports, etc., are. prop- 
erly kept. 

247. He will have personal charge of all rosters of the 
noncommissioned officers and men of the company. He will 
keep these rosters and will personally make all details for 
duty to which the noncommissioned officers and men of the 
company may be subject from time to time. 

248. A roster is a list of officers or men for duty, with a 



66 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 

record of the duty performed by each. Generally, details for 
duty are so made that the one longest off is the first for duty. 
A. R. 359. 

249. All details for service in garrison and in field, except 
the authorized special and extra-duty details, will be by roster; 
but officers or enlisted men, when detailed, must serve, whether 
a roster be kept or not. A. R. 360. 

250. Rosters are distinct for each class. Sergeants, corpo- 
rals, musicians, and privates form distinct rosters. Details are 
made in succession according to roster, beginning at the head. 

251. In making details by roster, an officer or enlisted man 
is each day charged with the number of days that he has re- 
mained present and* available for duty since his last tour. A. 
R. 364. 

252. The first sergeant will attend all formations of the 
company unless otherwise directed by the company com- 
mander or other competent authority. 

253. At the sounding of the assembly, the first sergeant 
takes his position in front of where the center of the com- 
pany is to be, and. facing it, makes the signal for assembly or 
commands: Fall i>n. 

The second sergeant places himself, facing to the front, 
where the right of the company is to rest, and at such a 
point that the center of the company will be six paces from 
and opposite the first sergeant; the squads form, facing to 
the front, in their proper places on the left of the second 
sergeant, superintended by the other sergeants, who then 
take their posts. 

The first sergeant commands: Report. Remaining in po- 
sition at the order, the squad leaders, in succession from 
the right, salute and report: "All present"; or, "Priratefs) . 

absent" The first sergeant does not return the salutes 

of the squad leaders. 



Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 67 

Squads of less than six men are increased or broken up 
as provided for the left squad. 

The first sergeant then brings his piece to the right shoul- 
der, commands: 1. Port, 2. Arms, 3. Open, 4. Chamber, 
5. Close, 6. Chamber, 7. Order, 8. Arms, faces about, salutes 
the captain, reports: "Sir, all present or accounted for" ; or, 
the names of the unauthorized absentees, and without com- 
mand takes his post, passing around the right flank. 

This formation is used in the field and, as far as prac- 
ticable, in camp and garrison. 

When the company becomes reduced in numbers and the 
squads broken up, the men fall in without regard to squads 
but in their relative order, closing to the right so as to leave 
no blank files; the corporals place themselves as number 
four, front rank; the sergeants superintend the formation 
and take their posts. The first sergeant then brings the 
company to the right shoulder, retains the order himself, 
and calls the roll; each man, as his name is called, answers 
"Here" and comes to the order. The first sergeant brings 
his piece to the right shoulder, causes the company to count 
off, forms the left squad, and if the company is large enough, 
divides it into platoons and sections; he then brings the com- 
pany to port arms, and the formation continues as explained 
in the preceding paragraph. 

254. The post of the first sergeant, when the company is 
in line, is in the line of file-closers in rear of the second file 
from the right of the first platoon. 

255. At retreat roll call, when there is no commissioned 
officer present with the company, the first sergeant w«ll, after 
having called the roll, dress the company to the right, bring the 
company to parade rest, and, taking his position on the right 
of the right guide, execute parade rest. At the conclusion of 



68 ♦ Handbook for Noncommissioned Officer's. 

retreat he will bring the company to attention and remain in 
this position until the completion of the playing oi "The Star- 
Spangled Banner, *' when he will dismiss the company and re- 
port to the proper officer at the designated place the result of 
the roll call. Where one officer superintends the roll call of 
several companies at reveille, the company will be dismissed 
before the report is rendered. At formation for muster, no 
report of the roll call is rendered to the officer superintend- 
ing the formation. 

256. He will immediately after breakfast each day make up 
the sick report book of the company, placing therein the names 
of any officers, noncommissioned officers, and men of the com- 
pany who may desire medical treatment. He will report with 
the sick report book to the company commander in ample 
time to permit of its being signed and presented by the sick 
marcher at the hospital at sick call. 

257. Upon return of the sick report from the hospital, he 
will make up the company morning report and will present it 
to the company commander for signature, together with any 
other papers or letters requiring his signature, before eight 
o'clock. When the morning report book has been signed by the 
company commander, the 'first sergeant will deliver it to the 
post sergeant-major at such time and place as may be des- 
ignated by the post commander. 

258. At first sergeant's call he will proceed to the adju- 
tant's office and obtain the company morning report book. 
While there, he will inspect the bulletin-board in the office of 
the sergeant-major and will carefully note the particulars of afl 
details and instructions concerning his company which may be 
posted thereon. He will also report to the sergeant-major for 
any additional instructions which the latter may have. 

259. Upon returning from the adjutant's office, he will 
make out from the roster the company guard detail for the 



Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 69 

following day and will post a copy of the same on the company 
bulletin-board. This detail, together with the other details for 
noncommissioned officers in charge of quarters, room orderly 
or orderlies, and details for company fatigue or police, will be 
published by the first sergeant at the conclusion of the forma- 
tion for retreat roll call. 

260. At the assembly for guard mounting, the men warred 
for duty fall in on their company parade-grounds, facing to the 
front, noncommissioned officers and supernumeraries falling in 
as file-closers; each first sergeant then verifies his detail, opens 
ranks, inspects the dress and general appearance, replaces l\y 
a supernumerary any man unfit to march on guard, and then 
closes ranks. (The detail is then marched to the vicinity of 
the parade-ground or other place designated for the mounting 
of the guard.) When adjutant's call has sounded and the ser- 
geant-major has taken his post, the band plays in quick time 
and the details are marched at the right shoulder by the first 
sergeants and halted successively on the line established by 
the sergeant-major; the detail that arrives first is so marched 
to the line that, upon halting, the breast of the right front 
rank man shall be near to and opposite the left arm of the 
sergeant-major; the first sergeant, remaining at the right 
shoulder, halts his detail, places himself in front of and facing 
the sergeant-major at a distance equal to or a little greater 
than the front of his detail; he then commands: 1. Right, 2. 
Dress. The detail dresses up to the line of the sergeant-major 
and the first sergeant, the right front rank man placing 
his breast against the left arm of the sergeant-major; the non- 
commissioned officers take post two paces and the supernu- 
meraries nine paces in rear of the rear rank of the detail. See- 
ing the detail aligned, the first sergeant commands, Fronf; 
salutes with the rifle salute, and then reports, "The detail is 
correct"; or, "(so many) sergeants, corporals, or privates 



70 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 

absent"; he then passes by the right of the guard and takes 
post three paces in rear of his supernumerary, at the order. 
The details alternate in taking the right of the line. 

261. The first sergeants and supernumeraries come to pa- 
rade rest and attention with the guard; they remain at the 
order arms while the guard is being presented and formea 
into column. The senior first sergeant commands: 1. Parade, 
2. Rest, at the command march for passing in review, and 
1. Supernumeraries, 2. Attention, when the officers of the day 
come to attention. The first sergeants come to parade rest 
and attention with the supernumeraries. The rear of the col- 
umn having passed the officers of the day, each first sergeant 
marches his supernumerary to the company parade and dis- 
misses him. 

262. Guard mounting, when there is but the one detail, 
is held as previously described; the detail is marched on as 
described for the first detail, the supernumeraries are distrib- 
uted uniformly on the line nine paces in rear of the rear 
rank, and the first sergeant places himself three paces in 
rear of the center of the line of supernumeraries. 

2G6. The first sergeant will at all times perform the duties 
of file-closer in rectifying mistakes and insuring steadiness in 
ranks. 

263. The duties herein described for the first sergeant 
may be performed by other sergeants not detailed for guard. 

264. After parade, the major may direct the company offi- 
cers to form line in order of rank on the left of the staff, in 
which case the music ceases when the officers join the staff. 
After closing ranks the major causes the companies to pass 
in review under command of their first sergeants by the same 
commands as before. The company officers return saber with 
the major. 



Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 71 

267. In movements of the company from line into column 
and the reverse, he retains his position in rear of or on the 
flank of the right four. The first sergeant always remains 
with the original first platoon, when in line, in rear of the 
second file from the outer flank, taking the corresponding posi- 
tion when the platoons unite in column of fours. 

268. In extended order, the post of the first sergeant is 
in the line of sergeants, in rear of the base squad. Should 
the captain be called from his post in front of the base squad 
during the advance, the first sergeant takes such post in 
order that all may be constantly aware of the position of 
the base squad. On return of the captain the first sergeant 
drops back to his post in rear of the base squad. 

2*j9. In the advance guard formation, where the company 
forms the advance guard of a larger body, the first sergeant 
is in command of the advance party. In the rear guard he 
commands the corresponding element of the rear guard. 

270. Upon assignment to the company of a recruit or of 
a man transferred thereto from another organization, the first 
sergeant will at once enter in the books of the company the 
facts contained in the* descriptive and assignment card or in 
the descriptive list of the man. He will assign him to quar- 
ters and to a squad in the company. He will have issued to 
him by the quartermaster-sergeant a complete equipment of 
ordnance and quartermaster property. He will prepare a 
clothing schedule for such clothing as the recruit or trans- 
ferred man may need. 

271. Upon the discharge of a man from the company, he 
will prepare the discharge and final statements of the man 
for the signature of the company commander or will super- 
vise the company clerk in so doing. He will cause the man 
to turn in to the quartermaster-sergeant all ordnance or quar- 



72 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 

termaster property in his possession; should any be missing, 
he will cause the value of the missing articles to be cnarged 
against the account of the man on his final statements. When 
a man has been discharged, his accounts will be closed in the 
company books, and they will be prepared for the signature 
of the company commander. Should the man re -enlist, he is 
regarded as a recruit and new accounts opened. 

272. Upon the transfer of a man from his company or the 
departure of a man from the post of his company for detached 
service, the first sergeant will at once prepare a descriptive 
list, setting forth the facts of his payment, the condition of 
his clothing allowances, and all facts necessary to the settle- 
ment of his accounts with the Government if he should be 
discharged. This descriptive list is forwarded to the com- 
manding officer of the post or detachment to which the man 
is sent. 

273. In case of the death or desertion of an enlisted man 
of the company, the first sergeant will at once secure the ef- 
fects and Government property for which the deceased or the 
deserter was responsible and hold them for the action of the 
company commander. 

274. He will, each day. make out a list of the men in the 
company desiring passes; he will then make out for each man 
a pass for the desired time and will present these passes with 
the morning report to the company commander for approval 
and signature. When signed by the company commander, 
they should be delivered at the adjutant's office with the morn- 
ing report. 



Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 73 



Supplementary to Chapter "The First Sergeant." 

list of reports and returns to be rendered by commanding 

officers of companies. 

Daily. 

Morning Report To be delivered to the post 

adjutant before 8:00 a. m. To 
be signed by the first .-sergeant 
and the company commander. 

Sick Report To be delivered by the sick 

marcher to the attending sur- 
geon at the post hospital at 
sick call. To be signed by the 
company commander before 
sending it to the hospital. 

Weekly. 
List of Men Detailed on Spe- 
cial Duty To the adjutant on the day 

of the week designated by the 
commanding officer of the post. 

Trimonthly. 

Ration Return To be submitted to the adju- 
tant, with the morning report, 
on the 10th, 20th, and thp last 
day of each month. 

Trimonthly Field Return.. .. To be submitted only when 
(In triplicate.) in the field. To be submitted 

on the 10th, 20th, and last day 
of the month. One cop3 r to the 
adjutant, one to the Adjutant- 
General direct, one to be re- 
tained. 



74 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 



Pay-Roils.. .... .. 

(In triplicate.) 



Monthly. 

. . . . To be submitted on the last 
day of the month to the. adju- 
tant for the signature of the 
commanding officer. Two cop- 
ies for the paymaster, one to 
be retained. 



List of Absentees from Muster. 



Arms and 
Hand.. . 



Ammunition on 



To be submitted to che mus- 
tering officer with tne muster- 
or pay-rolls, the list to be al- 
phabetical in order, showing 
the place of absence and the 
authority for the absence of 
each absentee. 

To be submitted to the adju- 
tant on the first day of the en- 
suing month. Submitted only 
when required by special in- 
structions. 



Vacancies to Occur 
Current Month .... 



in the 



Company Return . . . 
(In duplicate.) 



To be submitted to the adju- 
tant on the first day of the 
month. 

To be submitted to the adju- 
tant of the regiment. Inde- 
pendent company in the field, 
one copy direct to the Adjutant- 
General, one copy to be re- 
tained. Submitted on the first 
day of the following month. 



Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 75 

Allotments Commenced Dur- 
ing the Month To be submitted to the Pay- 
master-General by registered 
mail on the last day of the 
month. 

Discontinued Allotments To be submitted to the Pay- 
master-General on the last day 
of the month. 

Requisition for Fuel, For- 
age, etc To be submitted to the adju- 
tant on the last day of the 
month. 

Bimonthly. 

Report of Enlisted Strength.. To be submitted to the Adju- 
tant-General on the last day of 
the months of January, March, 
May, July, September, Novem- 
ber. Submitted through mili- 
tary channels, with the morn- 
ing report. 

Muster-Rolls To be submitted to the mus- 
lin duplicate.) tering officer so that they may 
be mailed within three (3) 
days. These rolls are to be pre- 
pared in addition to the three 
pay-rolls. One copy to be re- 
tained. Submitted on the last 
day of February, April, June, 
August, October, and Decem- 
ber. 

Quarterly. 

Ordnance Return To be submitted to the chief 

(In duplicate.) o f ordnance within twenty 



76 



Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 



Estimate of 
Equipage. . 



Clothing and 



Requisition for Stationery. 
(In duplicate.) 

Requisition for Brooms 
Scrubbing Brushes. . .. 
(In duplicate.) 



and 



days after the end of the pe- 
riod. One copy with all vouch- 
ers forwarded, one copy com- 
plete retained. 

To be submitted to the adju- 
tant on the first day of each 
quarter. 

To be submitted to the quar- 
termaster on the first day of 
each quarter. 

To be submitted to the adju- 
tant on first day of each quar- 
ter for the approval of the com-* 
manding officer, then to the 
quartermaster. 

Semi- Annually . 
Report of Drills and Instruc- 
tion One copy to be submitted to 

(In duplicate.) the adjutant on March 31st and 

September 30th. One copy to 
be retained. 

At Irregular Intervals. 
Descriptive List and Account 
of Pay and Clothing of a 

Soldier Transferred To be mailed to the com- 
manding officer of the organ- 
ization to which the soldier has 
transferred upon departure of 
the soldier from the post. 

Same of Soldier Detached.. .. To be given to the officer 

or noncommissioned officer in 



Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 



11 



Same of Sick Soldier. 



Same of a Deserter. 



charge of soldier or forwarded 
by mail. To be sent when the 
soldier leaves the post. 

To be sent to the surgeon in 
charge when the soldier is de- 
tached from the company. 

To be mailed direct to the 
officer making the report of 
the surrender or apprehension 
immediately upon receipt of 
notification of the same. 



Special Descriptive List 

Deserters 

(In quintuplicate.) 

Notification of Discharge.. 



of 



Deceased Soldiers. 



Field Return. 



Submitted to the adjutant as 
soon as the deserter is dropped 
from the rolls. 

Submitted to the paymaster 
to whom the man is to apply for 
payment. Should be submitted 
at least one day before the dis- 
charge is to take effect. This 
letter must be in handwriting 
of the company commander. 

Submitted to the Adjutant- 
General of the Army direct; 
also notification to the nearest 
relative. Submitted upon noti- 
fication of death. Should be 
accompanied by inventory of 
effects and final statements of 
the deceased. 

Submitted to the adjutant 01 
the post whenever joining or 
leading a station 



78 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 

Deposits, List of Submitted to the Paymaster- 
General direct as soon as re- 
turned by the paymaster. If a 
soldier who has deposits is 
transferred or deserts, a report 
should be made direct to the 
Paymaster-General. 

List of Allotments Submitted to the Paymaster- 
General direct as soon as the 
allotments are made. 

Notification of Cessation or 
of Suspension of Allot- 
ment Submitted direct to the de- 
partment or corps commander 
immediately; also to the Pay- 
master-General at the end of 
the month, a report of the al- 
lotments to be discontinued 
during the ensuing month. 

Battles or Engagements Submitted through military 

channels to the Adjutant- 
General, U. S. A., after every 
battle or engagement. 

Casualties (Killed and 

Wounded) One copy to be retained, one 

(In triplicate.) submitted through military 

channels, and one direct to the 
Adjutant-General, U. S. A. To 
be submitted after any engage- 
ment resulting in casualties. 

Captured Property, Return of. . Submitted to the Adjutant- 

GPeneral, U. S. A., immediately. 
Only required of the company 



Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 79 

commander when the company 
is acting alone. 

Clothing Schedule Submitted to the adjutant 

whenever clothing is needed. 

Report of Small-Arms Prac- 
tice Submitted to the inspector of 

small-arms practice on comple- 
tion of the target practice. 

Discharge for Disability To the Adjutant-General 

through military channels. 
Careful attention should be 
given to the notes on the blank. 



6 



80 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 

CHAPTER X. 
The Company Quartermaster-Sergeant. 

275. The company quartermaster-sergeant is selected by 
the company commander from among the sergeants of the 
company to which he belongs. A separate warrant as such is 
not given, and he may be returned to the grade of sergeant 
without reference to higher authority. 

276. He is in immediate charge of the company kitchen, 
the company mess-room, the company store-rooms, and such 
other portions of barracks as the company commander may 
direct. He has charge of the company cooks, the men detailed 
for duty in the company mess-room, and the kitchen police, 
and directs them in execution of their duties. 

277. He is directly responsible to the company commander 
for all Government or company property in possession of the 
company. He has charge of and is responsible for the secu- 
rity of the subsistence, quartermaster, and ordnance store- 
rooms, and for the preservation and care of the articles stored 
therein. He will in person make all issues therefrom to the 
cooks and to the men of the company. He will make no issues 
whatsoever without proper authority. 

278. He will keep a record in the company property-book 
of all quartermaster and ordnance property on hand in the 
store-rooms or issued to the men of the company. 

279. He is responsible -for the cleanliness and neatness of 
the company kitchen, kitchen furniture, mess-room, mess- 
room furniture, and will see that the cooks and men detailed 
for duty in the mess-room are neat and cleanly in the prepar- 
ing and serving of the food. He will see that the meals are 
served promptly and at the hours designated in orders. 



Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 81 

280. He will, with the assistance of the company cooks, 
make out each day the bill of fare for the succeeding day, and 
will submit the same to the company commander for his 
inspection. 

281. Once during each quarter and oftener if necessary, 
he will inspect all Government property in the possession of 
the company and will submit for the inspection of the com- 
pany commander all articles which may be found unfit for 
further use. He will make frequent inspections of the quar- 
ters of the company, and will report to the company command- 
er any repairs needed in the quarters, furniture, or property 
of the company. 

282. He will keep note of the supply of fuel and oil, ana 
will report to the company commander in order that timely 
requisition may be made to renew the supply. 

283. On ration days he will, with a suitable detail from 
the company, report at the commissary and draw the rations 
of the company. He will, before reporting for rations, prepare 
a list showing the quantities of each article which he desires 
to draw or leave undrawn as a saving. When articles are 
issued to him., he will verify the amounts and will note the 
quality and condition of the same. He will enter in his books 
an account of all subsistence stores issued to him, and will 
report to the company commander any deficiency in the 
amount or quality of the stores. 

284. On the days on which fresh meat is issued, he will 
report, with a suitable detail from the company, at the desig- 
nated time and place to receive the same, making note in his 
books of the quality and quantity received. 

285. He will, under the direction of the company com- 
mander, make purchases from the commissary or from loca* 
dealers of articles other than those of the ration which may 
be desired for the company mess. 



82 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 

286. He will keep a careful account of all such expendi- 
tures, taking receipts for the same and turning them in with 
his accounts to the company commander at intervals to be des- 
ignated by the latter. 

287. He will supervise the company cooks in the handling 
of the rations, being careful to see that the amount cooked 
each day is in accord with the number of men to be fed. He 
will see that the articles of the ration are not wasted and that 
they are used only for the purpose for which they are intended. 

288. He will be present at and preserve order in the mess- 
rooms during the serving of meals. He will see that the men 
of the company are neat and orderly in their conduct white 
at table. 

289. He should familiarize himself thoroughly with the 
different components of the ration as authorized in the Army 
Regulations and in orders, together with the allowances of 
each. He should be able to compute readily the quantities of 
each component of the ration for any number of men. 



Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 83 

CHAPTER XI. 
The Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of Quarters. 

290. The noncommissioned officer in charge of quarters is 
detailed by order of the company commander from a roster 
of the noncommissioned officers of the company. 

291. The tour of duty is of twenty-four hours' duration, 
beginning at reveille of the day designated and continuing 
until reveille of the following day unless otherwise pre- 
scribed. iNoncommissioned officers detailed for this duty re- 
lieve each other without reporting to the company commander. 

292. The noncommissioned officer in charge of quarters 
receives his orders from the company commander. 

293. He will instruct the room orderly or orderlies in their 
duties. 

294. He will be responsible for the proper police of the 
company quarters, rears, bath-rooms, amusement-rooms, bar- 
ber and tailor shops, and the yard or vicinity of barracks. 

295. He will have charge of company fatigue details and 
direct them in their work of policing. 

296. Where the company is quartered in more than one 
squad-room, he will not be held responsible for the police of 
the squad-rooms unless so directed by the company commander. 

297. He will report promptly to the company commander 
any necessary repairs of the barracks, barrack furniture, 
quartermaster or company property which may come under 
his observation. 

298. He will see that all lamps are filled, cleaned, and 
trimmed during the day for lighting at night. 

299. He will promptly quell all disturbances and disorder- 
ly or noisy cot: duct in the barracks or vicinity, and will report 
the same to the first sergeant. 



84 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 

300. At the 11:00 p. m. inspection of the company, he will 
take a. careful check of the men of the company, using for 
this purpose a iist furnished him by the first sergeant, show- 
ing those men who are absent by authority. 

301. He will report ail unauthorized absentees to the offi- 
cer of the day at the designated time and place, and at reveille 
he will make a similar report to the first sergeant. In report- 
ing to the ofheer of the day he will state the number of non- 
commissioned officers and men absent without authority, but 
to the first sergeant he will report the absentees by name. 

302. He is responsible during his tour for the proper care 
of all company property or Government property in possession 
of the company, and will not permit it to be damaged, or re- 
moved without proper authority. The first sergeant or quar- 
termaster-sergeant of the company is authorized to remove 
such property in their discretion. 

803. He will be excused from all other duty unless other- 
wise directed by proper authority. 

304. He will hold himself in readiness to accompany the 
company commander on his daily inspection of the company 
quarters, and' will see that all directions of the company com- 
mander are promptly complied with. 

305. In camp his duties will include all those heretofore 
prescribed and such others as may be prescribed by compe- 
tent authority. 



Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 85 

CHAPTER XII. 
The Sergeant of the Guard. 

306. The senior noncommissioned officer of the guard al- 
ways acts as sergeant of the guard, and, if there be no officer 
of the guard, will perform the duties prescribed for the com- 
mander of the guard. 

307. At guard mounting the sergeant of the guard remains 
in his place in the file-closers in rear of the company detail 
until the command: 1. Noncommissioned officers, front and 
center. 2. March. Then he executes the right shoulder arms, 
passes around the nearest flank of the guard, along the 
front and takes place on the right of the line of non- 
commissioned officers, three paces in rear of the officer of the 
guard; or, if there be no officer of the guard, three paces in 
front of the adjutant. At the command: 1. Noncommissioned 
officers, 2. Posts, 3. March, he faces about and takes the post 
of chief of the first platoon, as prescribed in the school of 
the company. If there be no officer of the guard, the non- 
commissioned officer commanding the guard takes post on the 
right of the right guide, when the guard is in line: and takes 
post of the officer commanding the guard, when in column or 
passing in review. , 

308. If there be no officer of the guard, the sergeant of 
the guard commands the guard while passing in review, and 
will bring the guard to the eyes right when at a point about 
>V'~ races from the officer of the day and will salute with the 
rifle salute when at six paces from the officer of the day. re- 
maining at the salute until the guard has passed six paces 
beyond the reviewing officer. Having passed the reviewing 
officer, he will form the guard into column of squads without 



86 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 

halting and march it to the guard-house or other designated 
post. If there be no division of platoons, and if there be pres- 
ent an officer of the guard, the sergeant of the guard takes 
post in the line of file closers in rear of the right squad of 
the guard. 

309. Having arrived at the post of the guard, the new 
guard marches in quick time past the old guard, the sergeant 
of the guard, if in command, saluting with the rifle salute. 

310. As the new guard approaches the guard house,' the 
old guard is formed in line, with its field music three paces 
to its right; and, when the field music at the head of the 
new guard arrives opposite its left, the commander of the 
new guard commands: 1. Eyes, 2. Right; the commander of 
the old guard commands: 1. Present, 2. Arms; commanders 
of both guards salute. The new guard marches in quick 
time past the old guard. 

When the commander of the new guard is opposite the 
field music of the old guard, he commands: Front; the com- 
mander of the old guard commands: 1. Order, 2. Amis. 

The field music having marched three paces beyond the 
field music of the old guard, changes direction to the right, 
and, followed by the guard, changes direction to the left, 
when on a line with the old guard; the changes of direc- 
tion are without command. The commander of the guard 
halts on the line of the front rank of the old guard, allows 
his guard to march past him, and, when its rear approaches, 
forms it in line to the left, establishes the left guide three 
paces to the right of the field music of the old guard, and 
on a line with the front rank, and then dresses his guard 
to the left; the field music of the new guard is three paces 
to the right of its front rank. 

311. The new guard being dressed, the commander of 



Handbook for Xoncommissioned Officers. S7 

each guard, in front of and facing its center, commands: 
1. Present, 2. Arms, resumes his front, salutes, carries sa- 
ber, faces his guard and commands: 1. Order, 2. Arms. 

Should a guard be commanded by a noncommissioned 
officer, he stands on the right or left of the front rank, ac- 
cording as he commands the old or new guard, and exe- 
cutes the rifle salute. 

312. The detachments and sentinels of the old guard 
are relieved, and as they come in, form on its left; the 
commander of the old guard then marches ft, with the 
guide right, six paces to the front, then in column of 
squads to the right; the field music begins to play and the 
guard marches in quick time past the new guard, both guards 
saluting. 

313. Upon arriving on the parade ground, the commander of 
the old guard forms it in line, opens and closes chamber, or- 
ders successively the company details two paces to the front, 
and sends each, under charge of a noncommissioned officer, 
or private, to its company. 

314. To receive prisoners at the guard-house after their 
number has been verified by the officer of the day, the ser- 
geant of the guard forms bis guard with an interval in the 
middle of it sufficient for the prisoners when in line and in 
double rank, and commands: 1. Prisoners, 2. Rigid face, 3. For- 
ward, 4. March. The prisoners having arrived opposite the in- 
terval in the new guard, he commands: 1. Prisoners, 2. Halt, 

A 3. Left face, 4. Rujlit (or left) backward dress, 5. Front. The 
prisoners dress on the line of the new guard. 

315. After the salutes have been acknowledged by the offi- 
cers of the day, each guard is brought to the order by its com- 
mander: the commander of the new guard then directs the or- 
derly or orderlies to fall out and report, and causes bayonets 



SS Handbook for Non-commissioned Officers. 

to be. fixed if so ordered by the commanding officer. He then 
falls out members of the guard for detached posts, placing 
them under charge of the proper noncommissioned officers, 
divides the guard into three reliefs, first, second, and third from 
nght to left. 

316. The sergeant of the guard has general supervision 
over the other noncommissioned officers and the musicians and 
privates of the guard, and must be thoroughly familiar with 
all their orders and duties. 

317. He is directly responsible for the property under 
charge of the guard and will see that it is properly cared for. 
He will make lists of articles taken out by working parties and 
will see that all such articles are duly returned. If not, he will 
immediately report the fact to the commander of the guard or, 
if there be none, to the officer of the daj\ 

318. Immediately after guard mounting he will prepare 
duplicate lists of the names of all noncommissioned officers, 
musicians, and privates of the guard, showing the relief and 
post or duties of each. One list will be handed as soon as pos- 
sible to the commander of the guard; the other will be retained 
by the sergeant of the guard. 

319. He will see that reliefs are turned out on time and 
that the corporals thoroughly understand and are prompt and 
efficient in the discharge of their duties. 

320. During the temporary absence from the guard-house 
of the sergeant of the guard, the next in rank of the noncom- 
missioned officers present will perform his duties. 

321. Should the corporal whose relief is on post be called 
away from the guard-house, the sergeant of the guard will 
designate a noncommissioned officer to take his place until 
his return. 

322. After breakfast, he will cause the guard-house or 
guard-tent and the space around it to be policed by the pris- 



Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. b\) 

oners if there be any, or by the members of the guard if there 
be no prisoners. 

S23. He will see that the guard-room and cells are thor- 
oughly policed twice daily, morning and evening. 

324. At first sergeant" s call he will proceed to the adju- 
tant's office and obtain the guard report book. 

225. In the absence of the color-bearer and guard, when 
the national or regimental colors are taken from the stacks of 
the color line, the sergeant of the guard unarmed, and two pri- 
vates of the guard armed, will escort the colors to the Colonel's 
quarters as prescribed in the Infantry Drill Regulations. 

326. Upon the return of soldiers having passes, the passes 
will be given to the sergeant of the guard, who will endorse 
upon it the time at which each of the men included in a pass 
returns; at guard mounting he will turn them in to the com- 
mander of the guard. 

327. He will report to the commander of the guard any 
suspicious or unusual occurrence that comes under his notice, 
will warn him of the approach of any armed body, and will 
send to him all persons arrested by the guard. 

328. When the guard is turned out the formation will be as 
follows: The senior noncommissioned officer, if commander 
of the guard, is on the right of the right guide; if not the 
commander, he is in the line of file-closers, in rear of the right 
squad of th^ guard; the next in rank is right guide; the next 
left guide; the others in line of file-closers usually each in 
rear of his relief; the held music, with its left three paces to 
the right of the right guide. The reliefs form in the same 
order as when the guard was first divided, except that if the 
guard consists of dismounted cavalry and infantry, the cavalry 
forms on the left. 

329. The sergeant forms the guard, calls the roll, and, if 
not in command of the guard, reports to the commander of 



90 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 

the guard in the maimer prescribed for the first sergeant form- 
ing a troop Ol company; the guard is not formed into platoons 
or sections, and except when the whole guard is formed prior 
to marching off, they do not count off. 

330. The sergeant reports as follows: "Sir, the guard is 
present"; or "Sir, the guard and prisoners are present"; or, 
"Sir, the guard is present and the prisoners are secured"; or, 
"Sir (So-and-so) is absent"; or, if the roll call has been 
omitted, "Sir, the guard is formed." Only men absent with- 
out authority are reported absent. He then takes his place 
without command. 

331. At night the roll call may be by reliefs and numbers 
instead of names; thus the first relief being on post: "Second 
relief, Corporal: No. 1; No. 2, etc. Third relief, Corporal, etc.* 

832. Calling the roll will be dispensed with forming the 
guard when it is turned out as a compliment, on the approach 
of an armed body, or in sudden emergency; but in such cases 
the roll may be called before dismissing the guard. If the 
guard be turned out for an officer entitled to inspect it, the 
roll will, unless he directs otherwise, always be called before 
a report is made. 

333. When directed by the officer of the guard to dismiss 
the guard, the sergeant salutes, steps in front of the guard, 
and commands: 1. Port, 2. Arms, 3. Open chamber, 4. Close 
chamber, 5. Dismissed; or, 5. Order, 6. Arms, 7. Stack, 8. Arms, 
9. Dismissed. 

334. The sergeant of the guard has direct charge of the 
prisoners and is responsible to the commander of the guard 
for their security. 

335. He will carry the keys of the guard-room and cells 
and will not suffer them to leave his personal possession while 
he is at the guard-house, except as hereinafter provided. 
Should he leave the guard-house for any purpose, he will turn 



Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 91 

the keys over to the noncommissioned officer who takes his 
place. 

33G. He will count the knives, forks, etc., given to the pris- 
oners with their food, and see that none of these articles re- 
main in their possession. He will see that no forbidden articles 
of any kind are conveyed to the prisoners. 

337. Prisoners, when paraded with the guard, are placed 
in the line in its center. The sergeant, immediately before 
forming the guard, will turn over his keys to the noncom- 
missioned officer at the guard-house. Having formed his 
guard, he will divide it into two nearly equal parts. Indicating 
the division with his hand, he commands: 1. Right, 2. Face, 
3. Forward, 4. March, 5. Guard, 6. Halt. 7. Left, 8. Face. If the 
first command be, Right face, the right half of the guard only 
will execute the movements; if Left face, the left half only will 
execute them. The command, Halt, is given when sufficient in- 
terval is obtained to admit the prisoners. The doors of the 
guard-room aud cells are then opened by the noncommissioned 
officer having the keys. The prisoners will then file out under 
the supervision of the sergeant, the noncommissioned officer 
and the sentinel on duty at the guard-house, and such other 
sentinels as may be necessary; they will form in line in the 
interval between the two parts of the guard. 

338. To return the prisoners to the guard-room and cells, 
the sergeant commands: 1. Prisoners, 2. Right, 3. Face, 4. For- 
ward, 5. Column right, 6. March. The prisoners, under the same 
supervision as before, return to their cells. 

339. To close the guard, the sergeant commands: 1. Left 
(or right), 2. Face, 3. Forward, 4. March, 5. Guard, 6. Halt, 
7. Right (or left), S. Fare. The left or right half only of the 
guard, as indicated, executes the movement. 

340. If there be but few prisoners, the sergeant may indi- 



92 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 

cate the point of division as above, and form the necessary in- 
terval by the command: 1. Right (or left) step, 2. March, 3. 
Guard, 4. Halt, and close the interval by the same commands. 

341. If the sentinels are numerous, reliefs may, at the dis- 
cretion of the commanding officer, be posted in detachments, 
and sergeants, as well as corporais, required to relieve and 
post them. 

342. Sergeants assigned to reliefs perform the duties pre- 
scribed for corporals of the guard. They will not be so as- 
signed unless the number of corporais detailed for guard be 
less than the number of reliefs. 

343. If the sergeant of the guard be also the commander of 
the guard, he will, in addition to what has already been pre- 
scribed, be governed by the following instructions for the com- 
mander of the guard. 

344. The commander of the guard is responsible for the in- 
struction and discipline of the guard. He will see that all its 
members are correctly instructed in their orders and duties, 
and that they understand and properly perform them. 

345. He receives and obeys the orders of the commanding 
officer and of the officer of the day, and reports to the latter 
without delay all orders not given or transmitted by him; he 
transmits to his successor all material instructions and infor- 
mation relating to his duties. 

346. He is responsible under the officer of the day for the 
general safety of the post or camp as soon as the old guard 
marches away from the guard-house. In case of emergency 
occurring while both guards are at the guard-house, the senior 
commander of the two guards will be responsible that the 
proper action is taken. 

347. Except in emergencies, he may divide the night with 
the next in command, but retains his responsibility; the one 
on watch must be constantly on the alert. 



Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 93 

348. When any alarm is raised in the camp or garrison, 
the guard will be formed immediately. If the case be serious, 
the proper call will be sounded, and the commander of the 
guard will cause the commanding officer and the officer of the 
day to be at once notified. 

349. If the sentinel calls: "The guard," the commander 
of the guard will at once send a patrol to such sentinel's post. 
If the danger be great, in which case the sentinel will dis- 
charge his piece, the patrol will be as strong as possible. 

350. When practicable, there should always be at least one 
noncommissioned officer and two privates at the guard-house, 
in addition to the sentinel there on post. 

351. The commander of the guard will see that the guard 
is formed promptly, and under arms, whenever it is turned 
out for any purpose whatever. 

352. When a guard commanded by a noncommissioned 
officer is turned out as a compliment or for inspection, the non- 
commissioned officer, standing at the right shoulder on the 
right of the right guide, commands: 1. Present, 2. Arms. He 
then himself executes the rifle salute. If a report is required, 
he will, after saluting and before bringing his guard to an 
order, report as prescribed for the report of the sergeant of the 
guard to the officer of the guard. 

353. Between retreat and reveille, the commander of the 
guard salutes and reports, but does not bring the guard to a 
present. 

354. Tc those entitled to have the guard turned out. but 
not entitled to inspect it. no report will be made; nor will a 
report be made xo any officer unless he halts in front of the 
guard. 

355. A noncommissioned officer marching a guard or re- 
lief will salute all officers. 



94 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 

356. A guard being in line and not under inspection, when 
commanded by a noncommissioned officer, is brought to atten- 
tion, when an officer, not entitled to have the guard turned out 
passes, and the noncommissioned officer salutes with the rifle 
salute. 

357. If a person entitled to compliment pass in rear of the 
guard, it does not salute, but stands at an order, facing to 
the front. 

358. After a person entitled to the compliment has been 
sainted by the guard or guards, official recognition of his pres- 
ence thereafter, while he remains in the same vicinity, will 
be taken by bringing the guard or guards to attention. 

359. The commander of the guard will inspect his guard 
at retreat and reveille to assure himself that the men are in 
proper condition to perform their duties and that their arms 
and equipments are in proper order; for inspection by other 
officers, he prepares the guard for inspection as directed in 
each case by the inspecting officer. 

360. Any person having authority to inspect the guard, 
and who wishes to do so, will, after its commander has report- 
ed, direct him to prepare it for inspection, stating in what 
manner. 

361. The guard will not be paraded during ceremonies un- 
less so directed by the commanding officer. 

362. At all formations of the .guards or reliefs, he will see 
that the chambers and magazines of all rifles or carbines are 
opened as soon as the men have fallen in. 

363. After receiving the report of the corporal, he will in- 
spect each relief before it goes on post to assure himself that 
every sentinel is properly armed and equipped and is in proper 
condition to perform his duties. The snme rule applies to all 
patrols and sentinels over prisoners. The relief first posted 
after guard mounting need not be thus inspected. 



Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 95 

oiii. He will see that sentinels are habitually relieved 
every two hours, unless the weather or other cause make it 
necessary or proper that it be done at shorter or longer inter- 
vals, as directed by the commanding officer. 

305. lie will question the noncommissioned officers and 
sentinels as to instructions they may have received from the 
old guard; he will see that patrols and visits of inspection are 
made as directed by the officer of the day. 

?/j(j. He will see that the orders for each sentinel are post- 
ed, either written or printed, in the guard-house., and, if prac- 
ticable, in the sentry-box or other sheltered place to which the 
sentinel has constant access. 

367. He will see that the proper calls are sounded as 
directed by the commanding officer. 

368. Should a mem'oer of the guard be taken sick, or be 
arrested, or desert, or leave his guard, the commander of the 
guard will at once notify the adjutant. 

369. He will, when the countersign is used, communicate 
it to the noncommissioned officers of the guard and see that 
it is duly communicated to the sentinels before the hour for 
challenging; the countersign will not be given to the sentinels 
posted at the guard-house. 

370. He will have the details for hoisting the flag at re- 
veille, and lowering it at retreat, made in time for the proper 
performance of these duties. He will see that the flags are 
kept in the best condition possible, and that they are never 
handled except in the proper performance of duty. 

371. The commander of the guard may permit the mem- 
bers of the guard, while at the guard-house, to remove their 
headdress, overcoats, and gloves; if they leave the guard-house 
for any purpose whatever, he will require them to be properly 
equipped and armed according to the character of the service 
in which they are engaged, or as directed by the commanding 
officer. 



96 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 

372. He will enter in the guard report a report of his tour 
of duty, and on the completion of the tour, will present it to 
the officer of the day. He will transmit with his report all 
passes turned at the post of the guard. 

373. Whenever a prisoner is sent to the guard-house or 
guard-tent for confinement, the commander of the guard will 
cause him to he searched, and will, without unnecessary delay, 
report the case to the officer of the day. 

374. If any one is to be passed out of the camp at night, 
he will he sent to the commander of the guard, who will have 
him passed beyond the line of sentinels. 

375. The commander of the guard will detain at the guard- 
house all suspicious characters, or parties attempting to pass a 
sentinel's post without proper authority, reporting his actior 
to the officer of the day, to whom persons so arrested will b* 
sent if necessary. 

376. He will inspect the guard-room and cells, and th 
irons of such prisoners as may be ironed, at least once durin. 
his tour and at such other times as he may deem necessary. 

377. He will see that the sentences of prisoners undr 
his charge are executed strictly as confirmed by the reviewir 
authority. 

378. He will cause sentinels over working parties to 1 
taken from those assigned to posts guarded at night only, 
there be none, he will cause this duty to be divided as equal- 
ly as possible among the privates of the guard. 

379. He will inspect all meals sent to the guard-house for 
prisoners, and see that the quantity and quality are in accord- 
ance with regulations. 

380. At guard mounting he will report to the old officer of 
the day all cases of prisoners whose terms of sentence expire 
on that day, as also all cases of prisoners concerning whom no 
statement of charges has been received. 



Handbook- for Noncommissioned Officers. 97 

3S1. While both guards are at the post of the guard, and 
after each has been presented to its officer of the day, if other 
persons entitled to the salute approach, each commander of the 
guard will bring his guard to attention if not already at atten- 
tion. The senior commander of the two guards will then com- 
mand: 1. Old and new guards, 2. Present, 3. Arms. The junior 
will present at the command, Present arms, given by the senior. 
After the salute has been acknowledged, the senior brings both 
guards to the order. 



98 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 

CHAPTER XIII. 

The Corporal of the Guard. 

382. Corporals of the guard are assigned to reliefs by the 
commander of the guard. They are assigned to reliefs accord- 
ing to rank, the senior corporal having command of the first 
relief, etc. 

385. The corporal of the guard receives and obeys orders 
from none but noncommissioned officers of the guard senior to 
himself, the officers of the guard, the officer of the day, and the 
commanding officer. 

386. It is the duty of the corporal of the guard to post and 
relieve sentinels, and to instruct the members of his relief in 
their orders and duties. 

387. Immediately after the division of the guard into re- 
liefs the corporals will assign the members of their respective 
reliefs to posts by number, and a soldier so assigned to a post 
will not be changed to another during the same tour of guard 
duty, unless by the direction of the commander of the guard or 
higher authority. 

Usually, experienced soldiers are placed over the arms of 
the guard and at remote and responsible posts. 

388. Each corporal will then make a list of the members 
of his relief, including himself. This list will contain the num- 
ber of the relief, the name of the company, the regiment of 
every member thereof, and the post to which each is assigned. 
The list will be made in duplicate, one list to be given to the 
sergeant of the guard as soon as completed, the other to be 
retained by the corporal. 

389. As soon as directed by the officer of the guard, the 
corporal of the first relief posts his relief. 



formation of fa lie/ • •* • 

' « • • « 



for malic n for relit vi*f> 

Q Sentinel. 

J*t l*r Cof/b\ 
% 
•ft t Li t 2 • • • * tf/ce* * /yew Sen tint t 9 % 01U Sen fin tt 

m • • 



100 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers, 

390. The corporal forms his relief and tben commands, 
Call off. Commencing on the right, the men call off alternate- 
ly, rear and front rank, "one," "two," •' three," and so on; if 
in single rank, they call off from right to left. The corporal 
then commands: 1. Right, 2. Face, 3. Forward, 4. March. 
If formed in single rank, the corporal commands: 1. Ticos 
right, 2. March. In wet weather the relief may be marched 
at secure arms. 

391. The corporal marches on the left and near the rear 
file, in order to observe the march. The corporal of the old 
guard marches on the right of the leading file, and takes com- 
mand when the last one of the old sentinels is relieved, chang- 
ing places with the corporal of the new guard. 

392. When a relief arrives at six paces from a sentineL 
the corporal halts it and commands, according to the post, 

No. ( ). At this time the old sentinel should be standing 

in the middle of his beat, facing the relief and at the right 
shoulder. Both sentinels execute port arms or saber; the new 
sentinel approaches the old, halting at about one pace from 
him. 

393. The corporals advance and place themselves, facing 
each other, a little in advance of the new sentinel, the old cor- 
poral on his right, the new corporal on his left, both at the 
right shoulder, and observe that the old sentinel transmits cor- 
rectly his instructions. (See diagram on opposite page.) 

394. The instructions relative to the post having been com- 
municated, the new corporal commands, Post. Both sentinels 
then resume the right shoulder, face toward the new corporal, 
and step back so as to allow the relief to pass in front of them. 
The new corporal then commands: 1. Fonvard, 2. March. 
Tne old sentinel then takes his place in rear of the relief as 
it passes him, his piece in the same position as those of the 
relief. The new sentinel stands fast at a right shoulder until 



Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 10i 

the relief has passed six paces beyond him, when he walks 
his post. The corporals take their posts as the relief passes 
them. 

395. The sentinels at the guard-house are the first relieved; 
they are left at the guard- house. All others will march with 
the relief. 

306. On the return of the old relief, the new corporal falls 
out when the relief halts; the corporal of the old guard forms 
his relief on the left of the old guard, salutes, reports to the 
commander of the guard: "Sir, the relief is present"; or, "Sir, 
(So-and-so) ig absent," and takes his place in the guard. 

397. To post a relief after the sentinels of the old guard 
have been relieved, the corporal forms it by the commands: 
1. (Such) relief, 2. Fall in; and, if the arms are stacked, 
3. Take, 4. Arms. The relief is formed in double rank, facing 
to the front with arms at an order; the men place themselves 
according to the numbers of their respective posts — viz., the 
even numbers in the front rank, the odd numbers in the rear 
rank, numbers one and two being on the right. The corporal, 
standing about two paces in front of the center of the relief, 
commands: 1. Call, 2. Off. The men call off as heretofore 
prescribed. The corporal then commands: 1. Port, 2. Arms, 
3. Open chamber, 4. Close chamber, 5. Order, 6. Arms; faces the 
commander of the guard, salutes with the rifle salute, reports, 
"Sir, the relief is present"; or, "Sir, (So-and-So) is absent,"' 
and then takes his place on the right at the order arms. 

398. Having inspected the relief, the commander of the 
guard directs the corporal, Post your relief. The corporal sa- 
lutes and posts his relief as prescribed for the first relief. The 
corporal of the relief on post does not go with the new relief 
unless it be necessary to show the w 7 ay. 

399. If so directed by the commander of the guard, the 



102 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 

corporal,, before posting his relief, will command: 1. With 
ball cartridges, 2. Load, 3. Lock, 4. Pieces, 5. Order, 6. Anns. 

400. To dismiss the old relief, it is halted and faced to the 
front at the guard-house by the corporal of the new relief, 
who then falls out; the corporal of the old relief steps in front 
of the relief, and commands: i. Port, 2. Arms, 3. Open 
chamber, 4. Close chamber, 5. Dismissed; or, 5. Order, 6. Arms, 
7. Slack, 8. Arms, 9. Dismissed. 

401. Should the pieces have been loaded before the relief 
was posted, the corporal will, before dismissing the relief, see 
that no cartridges are left in the chambers or magazines. The 
same rule appjies to sentinels over prisoners. 

402. Each corporal will thoroughly acquaint himself with 
all the special orders of every sentinel on his relief, and see 
that each sentinel correctly transmits such orders in detail to 
his successor. 

403. He will see that each sentinel, on being posted, clearly 
understands the limits and extent of his post. 

404. There should be at least one noncommissioned officer 
constantly on the alert at the guard-house — usually the cor- 
poral whose relief is on post. This noncommissioned officer 
takes post near the entrance to the guard-house, and does not 
fall in with the guard when it is formed. He will have his 
rifle with him. constantly. 

405. Whenever it becomes necessary for the corporal to 
leave his post near the entrance to the guard- house, he will 
notify the sergeant of the guard, who will at once take his 
place, or designate another noncommissioned officer to do so. 

406. He will see that no person enters the guard-house, or 
guard-tent, or crosses the post of the sentinels there posted, 
without proper authority. 

407. Should any sentinel call for the corporal of the guard, 



Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 103 

the corporal will, in every case, at once and quickly proceed 
to such sentinel. He will notify the sergeant of the guard be- 
fore leaving the guard-house. 

408. He will at once report to the commander of the guard 
any violation of regulations or any unusual occurrence which 
is reported to him by a sentinel, or which comes to his notice 
in any other way. 

409. Should a sentinel call, "The Guard," the corporal will 
promptly notify the commander of the guard. 

410. Should a sentinel call, "Relief," the corporal will at 
once proceed to the post of such sentinel, taking with him the 
man next for duty on that post. If the sentinel is relieved 
for a short time only, the corporal will again post him as soon 
as the necessity for his relief ceases. 

411. When the countersign is used, the corporal at the post- 
ing of the relief during whose tour the challenging is to begin, 
gives the countersign to the members of the relief, excepting 
those posted at the guard-house. 

412. He will, at the proper time, notify No. 1 of the hour, 
if the sentinels are required to call the hours or half-hours of 
the night. 

413. He will wake the corporal whose relief is next on post 
in time for the latter to verify the prisoners, form his relief, 
and post it at the proper hour. 

414. Should the guard be turned out, each corporal will 
call his own relief and cause its members to fall in promptly. 

415. Tents or bunks in the same vicinity will be desig- 
nated for the reliefs, so that all members of each relief may, 
if necessary, be found and turned out by the corporal in the 
least time and with the least confusion. 

416. Yvhen challenged by a sentinel, while posting his re- 
lief, the corporal commands: 1. Relief, 2. Halt. To the sen- 



104 Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers, 

tinel's challenge he answers, "Relief," and at the order of tlie 
sentinel, he advances alone to give the countersign, or to be 
recognized. When the sentinel says, "Advance, Relief/' the 
corporal commands: 1. B'orward, 2. March. If to he relieved, 
the sentinel is then relieved as prescribed. 

417. Between retreat and reveille, the corporal of the 
guard will challenge all suspicious-looking persons or parties 
he may observe, first halting his patrol or relief, if either be 
with him. He will advance them in the same manner that 
sentinels on post advance like parties; but if the route of the 
patrol be on the line of a continuous chain of sentinels, he 
should not challenge persons coming near him unless he has 
reason to believe that they have eluded the vigilance of the 
sentinels. 

418. Between retreat and reveille, whenever so ordered by 
an officer entitled to inspect the guard, the corporal will call, 
Turn out the guard, announcing the title of the officer, and 
then, if not otherwise ordered, he will salute and return to 
his post. 

419. Between retreat and reveille, on the approach of an 
armed party other than a relief or other detachment of the 
guard, he will call, Turn oat the guard, armed party, and re- 
main where he can observe the movements of the party while 
the guard is forming, and then return to his post. 

420. As a general rule, he will advance parties approach- 
ing the post of the guard in the same manner that sentinels 
advance like parties. Thus the sentinel at the guard-house 
challenges and repeats the answer to the corporal; the cor- 
poral, advancing at a port arms, says, Advance, (So-and-so), 
ivith the countersign, or to he recognized, if there be no 
countersign used; the countersign being correctly given, or 
the party being duly recognized, the corporal says, Advance, 



Handbook for Noncommissioned Officers. 105 

($o-and-so), repeating the answer to the challenge of the 
sentinel. 

421. When officers of different rank approach the guard- 
house from different directions at the same time, the senior 
will be advanced first, and will not be made to wait for his 
junior. 

422. Out 3f ranks and under arms, the corporal salutes 
with the rifle salute. He will salute all officers, whether by 
day or night. If marching his relief, he will bring his relief 
to ''eyes right" before saluting the commanding officer and 
his superiors. 

423. The corporal examines parties halted and detained 
by sentinels, and if he have reason to believe that the parties 
have no authority to cross sentinels' posts, will conduct them 
to the commander of the guard. 

424. The corporal of the guard will arrest all suspicious- 
looking persons prowling about the post or camp, all persons 
of disorderly character disturbing the peace, and all persons 
taken in the act of committing crime against the Government 
on a military reservation or post. All persons arrested by 
corporals of the guard, or by sentinels, will be at once con- 
ducted to the commander of the guard by the corporal. 

383. When the guard detail falls in on the company parade- 
ground, the corporals fall in in the line of file-closers. They 
retain this position after the formation of the guard, and until 
the command: 1. Open, 2. Bank, when they step three paces 
to the rear and dress to the right. 

384. At the command by the adjutant: 1. Officer amd non- 
commissioned officers, front and center. 2. March, the noncom- 
missioned officers execute the right shoulder, pass by the near- 
est flank, and, moving along the front, form in order of 
rank, from right to left, three paces in rear of the officer; if 
thorp bp no officer of tho guard, thpy form in line three paces 



106 Handbook for Noncommissio?ied Officers. 

in front of the .adjutant. They remain at the right shoul- 
der. At the command: 1. Noncommissioned officers, 2. Posts, 
3. March, they face about and take the posts assigned them, as 
prescribed in the school of the company, with open ranks, and 
order arms. 

425. The morning and evening gun will be fired by a de- 
tachment of the guard consisting, when practicable, of a cor- 
poral and two privates. The morning gun is fired at the first 
note of the reveille, or, if the marches be played before the 
reveille, it is fired at the commencement of the first march. 
The retreat gun is fired at the last note of retreat The cor- 
poral marches the detachment to and from the piece, and the 
piece is fired, sponged out, and secured under his direction. 



